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Chromodomain-mediated spreading on active genes

Nature Structural & Molecular Biology volume 16, pages 11–13 (2009)Cite this article

The formation of heterochromatin involves spreading of repressor proteins along large chromosomal domains. A new study reveals that the concept of spreading also holds true for establishing domains of active chromatin. More specifically, spreading of the Drosophila melanogaster male-specific lethal (MSL) activator complex, which is required for dosage compensation on the X chromosome, involves interaction between the MSL3 chromodomain and histone H3 methylated at lysine 36.

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Figure 1: Different mechanisms for gene-dosage compensation.

Kim Caesar

Figure 2: The MSL complex.

Kim Caesar

Figure 3: Targeting of the MSL complex to the male X chromosome in D. melanogaster.

Kim Caesar

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Acknowledgements

We thank F.J. Dilworth and M. Groudine for critical reading of the manuscript. The work in the Brand group is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. M. Brand holds the Canadian Research Chair in the regulation of gene expression.

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  1. Alison M. Hosey and Marjorie Brand are at the The Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Health Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6, Canada. mbrand@ohri.ca,

    Alison M Hosey & Marjorie Brand

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  1. Alison M Hosey
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Hosey, A., Brand, M. Chromodomain-mediated spreading on active genes. Nat Struct Mol Biol 16, 11–13 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nsmb0109-11

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