MSI1-like proteins: an escort service for chromatin assembly and remodeling complexes

MSI1-like WD40 repeat proteins are subunits of many protein complexes controlling chromatin dynamics. These proteins do not have any catalytic activity, but several recent studies using loss-of-function mutants established specific functions during development. Here, we review the current knowledge of MSI1-like proteins, including their phylogenetic history, expression patterns, biochemical interactions and mutant phenotypes. MSI1-like proteins, which are often targets or partners of tumor-suppressor proteins, are required during cell proliferation and differentiation in flies, nematodes and plants. We discuss the possibility that MSI1-like proteins could function to maintain epigenetic memory during development by targeting silencing complexes to chromatin during nucleosome assembly. MSI1-like WD40 repeat proteins are subunits of many protein complexes controlling chromatin dynamics. These proteins do not have any catalytic activity, but several recent studies using loss-of-function mutants established specific functions during development. Here, we review the current knowledge of MSI1-like proteins, including their phylogenetic history, expression patterns, biochemical interactions and mutant phenotypes. MSI1-like proteins, which are often targets or partners of tumor-suppressor proteins, are required during cell proliferation and differentiation in flies, nematodes and plants. We discuss the possibility that MSI1-like proteins could function to maintain epigenetic memory during development by targeting silencing complexes to chromatin during nucleosome assembly. The haploid generation of a plant that produces the gametes and is usually hidden insight the flower. The diploid generation of a plant that produces the spores. Usually, this is the visible body of a higher plant. An effect that is controlled by the genotype of the gametophyte. It can be maternal or paternal. Typically, the segregation ratio is 1:1. An effect that is controlled by the genotype of the sporophyte. Typically, the segregation ratio is 1:3. Genes that assign an identity to certain organs. They are also called organ identity genes. Mutations in homeotic genes do not eliminate elements of a body pattern but rather cause these elements to develop with inappropriate identities. One example is the Drosophila gene Antennapedia (Antp), which causes the transformation of antennal structures to the corresponding (homologous) leg structures. Homeotic genes are often Homeobox transcription factors in insects and MADS-box transcription factors in plants. A diverse group of genes that was identified in Drosophila as repressors of homeotic genes throughout development. The group of cells that give rise to all above-ground organs of a plant apart from the cotyledons and the hypocotyl. Nucleosome assembly that is temporally and spatially coupled to DNA replication. Nucleosome assembly that is independent of DNA replication but is often coupled to transcription. A conserved amino acid motif that contains a variable region of 6–30 residues and a 28-residue core, which usually starts with a Gly–His motif and ends with Trp–Asp (WD).