Page last updated: 2024-10-24

MSL complex

Definition

Target type: cellularcomponent

A histone acetyltransferase complex that catalyzes the acetylation of a histone H4 lysine residue at position 16. In human, it contains the catalytic subunit MOF, and MSL1, MSL2 and MSL3. [PMID:16227571, PMID:20018852]

The MSL complex is a protein complex found in Drosophila melanogaster that is responsible for dosage compensation, a process that equalizes gene expression between the single X chromosome in males and the two X chromosomes in females. The complex is composed of five core proteins: MSL1, MSL2, MSL3, MSL-associated factor 1 (MSL1), and male-specific lethal (MSL) protein.

The MSL complex primarily localizes to the X chromosome and plays a vital role in its transcription. The complex acts as a histone acetyltransferase (HAT), specifically acetylating histone H4 at lysine 16 (H4K16ac). This acetylation recruits other factors that promote transcription, ultimately increasing gene expression on the male X chromosome.

The MSL complex is comprised of multiple components that contribute to its function:

* **MSL1:** A scaffold protein that interacts with other complex members and facilitates the recruitment of the complex to the X chromosome.
* **MSL2:** A large protein containing a bromodomain, which binds to acetylated histones, and a chromodomain, which interacts with MSL3.
* **MSL3:** A protein that interacts with both MSL1 and MSL2, stabilizing the complex and facilitating its association with the X chromosome.
* **MSL1:** A protein that acts as a bridge between the MSL complex and the chromatin, linking it to the X chromosome.
* **MSL:** A protein with a catalytic HAT domain that acetylates histone H4K16, a crucial step in dosage compensation.

The MSL complex is assembled in a step-wise manner, with MSL1 and MSL2 associating first, followed by the recruitment of MSL3 and MSL1. The complex is then targeted to the X chromosome via its interaction with roX RNAs, long non-coding RNAs that are specifically transcribed from the X chromosome.

The MSL complex is a highly dynamic entity, continuously assembling and disassembling as it moves along the X chromosome, ensuring precise dosage compensation. Its intricate structure and regulation highlight the complexity of gene expression control and the importance of chromatin modifications in shaping cellular function.'
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Proteins (1)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Histone acetyltransferase KAT8A histone acetyltransferase KAT8 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9H7Z6]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (11)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
4-aminophenol4-aminophenol : An amino phenol (one of the three possible isomers) which has the single amino substituent located para to the phenolic -OH group.

4-aminophenol: RN given refers to parent cpd
aminophenolallergen;
metabolite
1-nitronaphthalene1-nitronaphthalene : A mononitronaphthalene substituted by a nitro group at position 1.

1-nitronaphthalene: RN given refers to cpd with locant for nitro moiety in 1 position

mononitronaphthalene : A nitronaphthalene carrying a single nitro group at unspecified position.

nitronaphthalene : A nitroarene that is naphthalene substituted by at least one nitro group.
mononitronaphthaleneenvironmental contaminant;
mouse metabolite
phenylhydrazinephenylhydrazinesxenobiotic
4-chloroaniline4-chloroaniline : A chloroaniline in which the chloro atom is para to the aniline amino group.

4-chloroaniline: RN given refers to parent cpd; structure
chloroaniline;
monochlorobenzenes
1-naphthylamine1-naphthylamine : A naphthylamine that is naphthalene substituted by an amino group at position 1.

1-Naphthylamine: A suspected industrial carcinogen (and listed as such by OSHA). Its N-hydroxy metabolite is strongly carcinogenic and mutagenic.

naphthylamine : A primary arylamine that is naphthalene substituted by an amino group at unspecified position.
naphthylaminehuman xenobiotic metabolite
4-fluoroaniline4-fluoroaniline : A primary arylamine that is the derivative of aniline in which the hydrogen at position 4 has been substituted by fluorine. It is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, herbicides and plant growth regulators.

4-fluoroaniline: chemical intermediate manufactured by the Halex process; RN given refers to parent cpd; structure given in first source
fluoroaniline;
primary arylamine
phenylhydrazine hydrochloridephenylhydrazine hydrochloride : A hydrochloride resulting from the reaction of equimolar amounts of phenylhydrazine and hydrogen chloride.hydrochloride
4-fluorobenzylamine
4-hydroxyquinoline4-quinolone : A quinolone that is 1,4-dihydroquinoline substituted by an oxo group at position 4.monohydroxyquinoline;
quinolone
anacardic acidanacardic acid : A hydroxybenzoic acid that is salicylic acid substituted by a pentadecyl group at position 6. It is a major component of cashew nut shell liquid and exhibits an extensive range of bioactivities.

anacardic acid: isolated from Anacardium occidentale; monophenol monooxygenase inhibitor
hydroxy monocarboxylic acid;
hydroxybenzoic acid
anti-inflammatory agent;
antibacterial agent;
anticoronaviral agent;
apoptosis inducer;
EC 2.3.1.48 (histone acetyltransferase) inhibitor;
EC 3.4.22.69 (SARS coronavirus main proteinase) inhibitor;
neuroprotective agent;
plant metabolite
2-hydroxy-6-[(8Z,11Z)-pentadeca-8,11,14-trien-1-yl]benzoic acidhydroxybenzoic acid