msl2 mRNA is bound by free nuclear MSL complex in Drosophila melanogaster

Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Aug;39(15):6428-39. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkr236. Epub 2011 May 6.

Abstract

In Drosophila, the global increase in transcription from the male X chromosome to compensate for its monosomy is mediated by the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex consisting of five proteins and two non-coding RNAs, roX1 and roX2. After an initial sequence-dependent recognition by the MSL complex of 150-300 high affinity sites, the spread to the majority of the X-linked genes depends on local MSL-complex concentration and active transcription. We have explored whether any additional RNA species are associated with the MSL complex. No additional roX RNA species were found, but a strong association was found between a spliced and poly-adenylated msl2 RNA and the MSL complex. Based on our results, we propose a model in which a non-chromatin-associated partial or complete MSL-complex titrates newly transcribed msl2 mRNA and thus regulates the amount of available MSL complex by feedback. This represents a novel mechanism in chromatin structure regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • X Chromosome

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Pabp2 protein, Drosophila
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • msl-2 protein, Drosophila
  • roX1 protein, Drosophila

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE20249