Distinct contributions of MSL complex subunits to the transcriptional enhancement responsible for dosage compensation in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: The regulatory mechanism of dosage compensation is the paramount example of epigenetic regulation at the chromosomal level. In Drosophila, this mechanism, designed to compensate for the difference in the dosage of X-linked genes between the sexes, depends on the MSL complex that enhances the transcription of the single dose of these genes in males. We have investigated the function of various subunits of the complex in mediating dosage compensation. Our results confirm that the highly enriched specific acetylation of histone H4 at lysine 16 of compensated genes by the histone acetyl transferase subunit MOF induces a more disorganized state of their chromatin. We have determined that the association of the MSL complex reduces the level of negative supercoiling of the deoxyribonucleic acid o

SUBMITTER: Dunlap D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3526317 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature