Open AccessH2A.Z Functions To Regulate Progression through the Cell Cycle
Author(s) -
Namrita Dhillon,
Masaya Oki,
Shawn J. Szyjka,
Oscar M. Aparicio,
Rohinton T. Kamakaka
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
molecular and cellular biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.14
H-Index - 327
eISSN - 1067-8824
pISSN - 0270-7306
DOI - 10.1128/mcb.26.2.489-501.2006
Subject(s) - biology , cell cycle , dna replication , histone , histone h2a , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , cyclin a , gene , cyclin
Histone H2A variants are highly conserved proteins found ubiquitously in nature and thought to perform specialized functions in the cell. Studies in yeast on the histone H2A variant H2A.Z have shown a role for this protein in transcription as well as chromosome segregation. Our studies have focused on understanding the role of H2A.Z during cell cycle progression. We found thathtz1Δ cells were delayed in DNA replication and progression through the cell cycle. Furthermore, cells lacking H2A.Z required the S-phase checkpoint pathway for survival. We also found that H2A.Z localized to the promoters of cyclin genes, and cells lacking H2A.Z were delayed in the induction of these cyclin genes. Several different models are proposed to explain these observations.