Topoisomerase II is required for proper dosage compensation in Drosophila

ABSTRACT: Dosage compensation refers to the equalization of most X-linked gene products between males and females. In Drosophila, it is mediated by the MSL complex that preferentially associates with numerous sites on the X chromosome in somatic cells of males, and is responsible for an enhancement of the transcriptional rate of a substantial number of X-linked genes. Here we show that topoisomerase II (Topo II) is an integral part of the mechanistic basis of dosage compensation and we highlight a novel function for this enzyme. A widely accepted model of transcription postulates that the moving bubble generated by an RNA polymerase elongating complex induces positive DNA supercoiling in the region ahead of the complex and negative supercoiling in its wake. These transitory changes in supercoiling a

ORGANISM(S): Drosophila melanogaster

SUBMITTER: Edward Ramos 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-36927 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress