Association of BAF53 with mitotic chromosomes.
The conversion of mitotic chromosome into interphase chromatin consists of at least two separate processes, the decondensation of the mitotic chromosome and the formation of the higher-order structure of interphase chromatin. Previously, we showed that depletion of BAF53 led to the expansion of chromosome territories and decompaction of the chromatin, suggesting that BAF53 plays an essential role in the formation of higher-order chromatin structure. We report here that BAF53 is associated with mitotic chromosomes during mitosis. Immunostaining with two different anti-BAF53 antibodies gave strong signals around the DNA of mitotic preparations of NIH3T3 cells and mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). The immunofluorescent signals were located on the surface of mitotic chromosomes prepared by metaphase spread. BAF53 was also found in the mitotic chromosome fraction of sucrose gradients. Association of BAF53 with mitotic chromosomes would allow its rapid activation on the chromatin upon exit from mitosis.
Lee
Kiwon
K
Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 449-791, Korea.
Shim
Jae Hwan
JH
Kang
Mi Jin
MJ
Kim
Ji Hye
JH
Ahn
Jong-Seong
JS
Yoo
Soon Ji
SJ
Kim Kwon
Yunhee
Y
Kwon
Hyockman
H
D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000494:pharmacology; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / Q000378:metabolism*; D033481:Chromosomes, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D008938:Mitosis / Q000187:drug effects; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D011485:Protein Binding / Q000187:drug effects; D021381:Protein Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D013347:Subcellular Fractions
D000199:Actins; C485486:Actl6a protein, mouse; D000906:Antibodies; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins