ERCC6L

This gene encodes a member of the SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF2) family of proteins, and contains a SNF2-like ATPase domain and a PICH family domain. One distinguishing feature of this SWI/SNF protein family member is that during interphase, the protein is excluded from the nucleus, and only associates with chromatin after the nuclear envelope has broken down. This protein is a DNA translocase that is thought to bind double-stranded DNA that is exposed to stretching forces, such as those exerted by the mitotic spindle. This protein associates with ribosomal DNA and ultra-fine DNA bridges (UFBs), fine structures that connect sister chromatids during anaphase at some sites such as fragile sites, telomeres and centromeres. This gene is required for the faithful segregation of sister chromatids during mitosis, and the ATPase activity of this protein required for the resolution of UFBs before cytokinesis. [provided by RefSeq, May 2017]

Full Name

ERCC Excision Repair 6 Like, Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Helicase

Research Area

DNA helicase that acts as a tension sensor that associates with catenated DNA which is stretched under tension until it is resolved during anaphase (PubMed:17218258, PubMed:23973328).

Functions as ATP-dependent DNA translocase (PubMed:23973328, PubMed:28977671).

Can promote Holliday junction branch migration (in vitro) (PubMed:23973328).

Biological Process

Cell cycle Source: UniProtKB-KW
Cell division Source: UniProtKB-KW

Cellular Location

Centromere; Kinetochore; Chromosome. Localizes to kinetochores, inner centromeres and thin threads connecting separating chromosomes even during anaphase. In prometaphase cells, it mostly concentrates in between kinetochores. In metaphase, it localizes to numerous thin threads that stretch between sister kinetochores of the aligned chromosomes and are composed of catenated centromeric DNA. Evolution from inner centromeres to thin threads takes place in response to tension. Resolution of thin threads requires topoisomerase 2-alpha (TOP2A) after anaphase onset.

PTM

Phosphorylation by PLK1 prevents the association with chromosome arms and restricts its localization to the kinetochore-centromere region.