Abstract
The histone variant macroH2A generally associates with transcriptionally inert chromatin; however, the factors that regulate its chromatin incorporation remain elusive. Here, we identify the SWI/SNF helicase ATRX (α-thalassemia/MR, X-linked) as a novel macroH2A-interacting protein. Unlike its role in assisting H3.3 chromatin deposition, ATRX acts as a negative regulator of macroH2A's chromatin association. In human erythroleukemic cells deficient for ATRX, macroH2A accumulates at the HBA gene cluster on the subtelomere of chromosome 16, coinciding with the loss of α-globin expression. Collectively, our results implicate deregulation of macroH2A's distribution as a contributing factor to the α-thalassemia phenotype of ATRX syndrome.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Chromatin / metabolism*
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DNA Helicases / genetics
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DNA Helicases / metabolism*
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Erythroid Cells / metabolism
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Gene Expression Regulation*
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Gene Knockdown Techniques
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HEK293 Cells
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HeLa Cells
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Histones / metabolism*
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Humans
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K562 Cells
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Mental Retardation, X-Linked / pathology
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Nuclear Proteins / genetics
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Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
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Telomere / metabolism
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X-linked Nuclear Protein
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alpha-Globins / genetics*
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alpha-Globins / metabolism*
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alpha-Thalassemia / pathology
Substances
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Chromatin
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Histones
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Nuclear Proteins
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alpha-Globins
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macroH2A histone
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DNA Helicases
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ATRX protein, human
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X-linked Nuclear Protein