MLE helicase is an evolutionarily conserved eukaryotic protein involved in a wide range of processes in the regulation of gene expression. Previously, we studied the properties of MLE on the Drosophila melanogaster model. In the present work we continue studying the functions of MLE and show that MLE interacts with the components of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex. To clarify the work of MLE, the profile of MLE binding to the regulatory elements of the SWI/SNF-dependent ftz-f1 gene was analyzed. The effect of MLE on the expression of this gene, the transcription of which occurs by the RNA polymerase II pausing mechanism, was investigated. The data obtained indicate the important role of MLE in ensuring timely activation and high level of expression of the ftz-f1 gene in vivo.
Keywords: DHX9; MLE; SWI/SNF; ftz-f1; gene expression.