Human POGZ modulates dissociation of HP1α from mitotic chromosome arms through Aurora B activation

Abstract

POGZ is identified as a binding partner for HP1 (Heterochomatin Protein 1) and as a regulator of mitotic progression. It mediates the activation of Aurora B and the dissociation of both HP1 and Aurora B from chromosome arms during mitosis. Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) has an essential role in heterochromatin formation and mitotic progression through its interaction with various proteins. We have identified a unique HP1α-binding protein, POGZ (pogo transposable element-derived protein with zinc finger domain), using an advanced proteomics approach. Proteins generally interact with HP1 through a PxVxL (where x is any amino-acid residue) motif; however, POGZ was found to bind to HP1α through a zinc-finger-like motif. Binding by POGZ, mediated through its zinc-finger-like motif, competed with PxVxL proteins and destabilized the HP1α–chromatin interaction. Depletion experiments confirmed that the POGZ HP1-binding domain is essential for normal mitotic progression and dissociation of HP1α from mitotic chromosome arms. Furthermore, POGZ is required for the correct activation and dissociation of Aurora B kinase from chromosome arms during M phase. These results reveal POGZ as an essential protein that links HP1α dissociation with Aurora B kinase activation during mitosis.

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Nozawa, RS., Nagao, K., Masuda, HT. et al. Human POGZ modulates dissociation of HP1α from mitotic chromosome arms through Aurora B activation. Nat Cell Biol 12, 719–727 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb2075

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