The C. elegans dosage compensation complex propagates dynamically and independently of X chromosome sequence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The C. elegans dosage compensation complex (DCC) associates with both X chromosomes of XX animals to reduce X-linked transcript levels. Five DCC members are homologous to subunits of the evolutionarily conserved condensin complex, and two noncondensin subunits are required for DCC recruitment to X.

Results

We investigated the molecular mechanism of DCC recruitment and spreading along X by examining gene expression and the binding patterns of DCC subunits in different stages of development, and in strains harboring X;autosome (X;A) fusions. We show that DCC binding is dynamically specified according to gene activity during development and that the mechanism of DCC spreading is independent of X chromosome DNA sequence. Accordingly, in X;A fusion strains, DCC binding

SUBMITTER: Ercan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2783177 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature