Active establishment of centromeric CENP-A chromatin by RSF complex

J Cell Biol. 2009 May 4;185(3):397-407. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200903088. Epub 2009 Apr 27.

Abstract

Centromeres are chromosomal structures required for equal DNA segregation to daughter cells, comprising specialized nucleosomes containing centromere protein A (CENP-A) histone, which provide the basis for centromeric chromatin assembly. Discovery of centromere protein components is progressing, but knowledge related to their establishment and maintenance remains limited. Previously, using anti-CENP-A native chromatin immunoprecipitation, we isolated the interphase-centromere complex (ICEN). Among ICEN components, subunits of the remodeling and spacing factor (RSF) complex, Rsf-1 and SNF2h proteins, were found. This paper describes the relationship of the RSF complex to centromere structure and function, demonstrating its requirement for maintenance of CENP-A at the centromeric core chromatin in HeLa cells. The RSF complex interacted with CENP-A chromatin in mid-G1. Rsf-1 depletion induced loss of centromeric CENP-A, and purified RSF complex reconstituted and spaced CENP-A nucleosomes in vitro. From these data, we propose the RSF complex as a new factor actively supporting the assembly of CENP-A chromatin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autoantigens / isolation & purification
  • Autoantigens / physiology*
  • Centromere / genetics
  • Centromere / physiology
  • Centromere Protein A
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • Chromatin / physiology*
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / isolation & purification
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / physiology*
  • DNA Replication
  • G1 Phase
  • HeLa Cells / cytology
  • HeLa Cells / physiology
  • Humans
  • Interphase
  • Mitosis
  • Nuclear Proteins / physiology*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / physiology*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • CENPA protein, human
  • Centromere Protein A
  • Chromatin
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • RSF1 protein, human
  • Trans-Activators