RNF8 is an E3 ligase that functions in the DNA damage response by promoting the ubiquitination of histone proteins at double-strand breaks. Now, analysis of mice with a double knockout of RNF8 and related E3 ligase Chfr reveals that these two proteins collaborate to activate ATM via ubiquitination of H2B and consequent recruitment of MRG15, a component of HAT complexes, resulting in histone H4 Lys16 acetylation and chromatin relaxation.
- Jiaxue Wu
- Yibin Chen
- Xiaochun Yu