Abstract
Drosophila ISWI, a highly conserved member of the SWI2/SNF2 family of ATPases, is the catalytic subunit of three chromatin-remodeling complexes: NURF, CHRAC, and ACF. To clarify the biological functions of ISWI, we generated and characterized null and dominant-negative ISWI mutations. We found that ISWI mutations affect both cell viability and gene expression during Drosophila development. ISWI mutations also cause striking alterations in the structure of the male X chromosome. The ISWI protein does not colocalize with RNA Pol II on salivary gland polytene chromosomes, suggesting a possible role for ISWI in transcriptional repression. These findings reveal novel functions for the ISWI ATPase and underscore its importance in chromatin remodeling in vivo.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Acetylation
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Adenosine Triphosphatases / genetics
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Adenosine Triphosphatases / isolation & purification
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Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism*
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Animals
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Cell Survival
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Chromatin / ultrastructure*
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Chromosomes / ultrastructure*
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DNA-Binding Proteins*
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Drosophila / anatomy & histology
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Drosophila / embryology
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Drosophila / genetics
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Drosophila Proteins*
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Euchromatin
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Female
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Fluorescent Antibody Technique
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Gene Expression*
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Genes, Essential
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Heterochromatin / ultrastructure
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Homeodomain Proteins / isolation & purification
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Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
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Male
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Mitosis
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Mutation
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Phenotype
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / isolation & purification
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Transcription Factors / metabolism*
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X Chromosome / ultrastructure*
Substances
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Chromatin
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Drosophila Proteins
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Euchromatin
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Heterochromatin
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Homeodomain Proteins
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ISWI protein
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Transcription Factors
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Trl protein, Drosophila
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Adenosine Triphosphatases