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. 2020 May 7;11:2243. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-16103-0

Fig. 7. Model of transcriptional activation of NSL complex target genes.

Fig. 7

Generating a functional NSL complex interactome (represented as a blue network, left) enabled identification of BRD4 as the key interaction partner of the NSL complex in driving transcription of essential genes in Drosophila, mice and humans. Molecular characterization of this interaction led us to propose the following model (right): The NSL complex recruits BRD4 to target promoters via acetylation of the histone H4 tail, while BRD4 is required for the transition of RNA Pol2 from transcription initiation to elongation. Disturbance of the NSL complex–BRD4 axis by BET inhibitors (BETi) or KANSL1 haploinsufficiency (as seen in Koolen-de Vries syndrome) results in transcription elongation defects and compromised cellular homeostasis. BRD4 targeting defects can be restored by treatment with HDAC inhibitor (HDACi).