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The DEAD-box helicase eIF4A1/2 acts as RNA chaperone during mitotic exit enabling chromatin decondensation

Author

Listed:
  • Ramona Jühlen

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Sabine C. Wiesmann

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Anja Scheufen

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Thilo Stausberg

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Isabel Braun

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Chantal Strobel

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Carmen Llera-Brandt

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Sabrina Rappold

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Rabia Suluyayla

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Marianna Tatarek-Nossol

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Birgitt Lennartz

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Hongqi Lue

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Maximilian W. G. Schneider

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Juan-Felipe Perez-Correa

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Daniel Moreno-Andrés

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Wolfram Antonin

    (RWTH Aachen University)

Abstract

During mitosis, chromosomes condense and decondense to segregate faithfully and undamaged. The exact molecular mechanisms are not well understood. We identify the DEAD-box helicase eIF4A1/2 as a critical factor in this process. In a cell-free condensation assay eIF4A1/2 is crucial for this process, relying on its RNA-binding ability but not its ATPase activity. Reducing eIF4A1/2 levels in cells consistently slows down chromatin decondensation during nuclear reformation. Conversely, increasing eIF4A1/2 concentration on mitotic chromosomes accelerates their decondensation. The absence of eIF4A1/2 affects the perichromatin layer, which surrounds the chromosomes during mitosis and consists of RNA and mainly nucleolar proteins. In vitro, eIF4A1/2 acts as an RNA chaperone, dissociating biomolecular condensates of RNA and perichromatin proteins. During mitosis, the chaperone activity of eIF4A1/2 is required to regulate the composition and fluidity of the perichromatin layer, which is crucial for the dynamic reorganization of chromatin as cells exit mitosis.

Suggested Citation

  • Ramona Jühlen & Sabine C. Wiesmann & Anja Scheufen & Thilo Stausberg & Isabel Braun & Chantal Strobel & Carmen Llera-Brandt & Sabrina Rappold & Rabia Suluyayla & Marianna Tatarek-Nossol & Birgitt Lenn, 2025. "The DEAD-box helicase eIF4A1/2 acts as RNA chaperone during mitotic exit enabling chromatin decondensation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57592-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57592-1
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