CHAMP1 complex directs heterochromatin assembly and promotes homology-directed DNA repair (Updated September 25, 2024).

The article discusses the CHAMP1 complex, a protein complex consisting of CHAMP1, POGZ, and HP1, which is found in heterochromatin regions of the genome. The function of this complex in these regions is not well understood. However, the study shows that the CHAMP1 complex promotes heterochromatin assembly at various chromosomal sites, including centromeres and telomeres, and also plays a role in homology-directed repair of DNA double strand breaks in these regions. The CHAMP1 complex is also involved in heterochromatin assembly and DNA repair in specialized chromosomal regions, such as the highly-compacted telomeres of ALT positive tumor cells. Individuals with CHAMP1 syndrome, an inherited neurologic disorder, exhibit defective heterochromatin clustering and DNA repair, suggesting that a DNA repair defect may underlie this syndrome. The study highlights the novel role of the CHAMP1 complex in heterochromatin assembly and the enhancement of DNA repair in heterochromatin. [Extracted from the article]