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CHAMP1 complex directs heterochromatin assembly and promotes homology-directed DNA repair

Author

Listed:
  • Feng Li

    (Harvard Medical School)

  • Tianpeng Zhang

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Aleem Syed

    (Harvard Medical School)

  • Amira Elbakry

    (Harvard Medical School)

  • Noella Holmer

    (Harvard Medical School)

  • Huy Nguyen

    (Harvard Medical School
    Harvard Medical School)

  • Sirisha Mukkavalli

    (Harvard Medical School)

  • Roger A. Greenberg

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Alan D. D’Andrea

    (Harvard Medical School
    Harvard Medical School)

Abstract

The CHAMP1 complex, a little-known but highly conserved protein complex consisting of CHAMP1, POGZ, and HP1α, is enriched in heterochromatin though its cellular function in these regions of the genome remain unknown. Here we show that the CHAMP complex promotes heterochromatin assembly at multiple chromosomal sites, including centromeres and telomeres, and promotes homology-directed repair (HDR) of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in these regions. The CHAMP1 complex is also required for heterochromatin assembly and DSB repair in highly-specialized chromosomal regions, such as the highly-compacted telomeres of ALT (Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres) positive tumor cells. Moreover, the CHAMP1 complex binds and recruits the writer methyltransferase SETDB1 to heterochromatin regions of the genome and is required for efficient DSB repair at these sites. Importantly, peripheral blood lymphocytes from individuals with CHAMP1 syndrome, an inherited neurologic disorder resulting from heterozygous mutations in CHAMP1, also exhibit defective heterochromatin clustering and defective repair of DSBs, suggesting that a defect in DNA repair underlies this syndrome. Taken together, the CHAMP1 complex has a specific role in heterochromatin assembly and the enhancement of HDR in heterochromatin.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Li & Tianpeng Zhang & Aleem Syed & Amira Elbakry & Noella Holmer & Huy Nguyen & Sirisha Mukkavalli & Roger A. Greenberg & Alan D. D’Andrea, 2025. "CHAMP1 complex directs heterochromatin assembly and promotes homology-directed DNA repair," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56834-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56834-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrew J. Bannister & Philip Zegerman & Janet F. Partridge & Eric A. Miska & Jean O. Thomas & Robin C. Allshire & Tony Kouzarides, 2001. "Selective recognition of methylated lysine 9 on histone H3 by the HP1 chromo domain," Nature, Nature, vol. 410(6824), pages 120-124, March.
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