Ordered assembly of roX RNAs into MSL complexes on the dosage-compensated X chromosome in Drosophila

摘要: Abstract Background : In the male Drosophila , X chromosome is transcriptionally upregulated to achieve dosage compensation, in a process that depends on association of MSL proteins with chromosome. A role for non-coding RNAs has been suggested recent studies. The roX1 and roX2 are male-specific, produced by, also found associated with, dosage-compensated Whether roX physically part complex not resolved. Results We colocalize highly unstable unless coexpressed, suggesting physical interaction. were able immunoprecipitate RNA from tissue-culture cells antibodies Msl1 Mle, consistent an integral complexes. Localization mutants indicated order MSL-complex assembly which incorporated early requiring Mle helicase. gene, like nucleation site spreading into flanking chromatin cis . Conclusions: Our results support model assemble at specific entry sites (including genes); join their synthesis; complete complexes spread compensate most genes