The JIL-1 tandem kinase mediates histone H3 phosphorylation and is required for maintenance of chromatin structure in Drosophila

Yanming Wang, Weiguo Zhang, Ye Jin, Jorgen Johansen, Kristen M. Johansen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

173 Scopus citations

Abstract

To analyze the function of the chromosomal kinase JIL-1, we generated an allelic series of hypomorphic and null mutations. JIL-1 is an essential kinase for viability, and reduced levels of JIL-1 kinase activity lead to a global change in chromatin structure. In JIL-1 hypomorphs, euchromatic regions of polytene chromosomes are severely reduced and the chromosome arms condensed. This is correlated with decreased levels of histone H3 Ser10 phosphorylation. These levels can be restored by a JIL-1 transgene placing JIL-1 directly in the pathway mediating histone H3 phosphorylation. We propose a model where JIL-1 kinase activity is required for maintaining the structure of the more open chromatin regions that facilitate gene transcription.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)433-443
Number of pages11
JournalCell
Volume105
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 18 2001

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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