Specific PBAF complex (dcPBAF) containing PHF10 lacking DPF maintains transcription in differentiated neurons

The PBAF chromatin-remodeling complex is essential for transcription in mammalian cells. We found that PHF10 specific subunit of PBAF lacking C-terminal DPF is expressed in neurons of adult mouse and human brain. We purified the neuronal PBAF of newborn and adult mouse brain using antibodies against PHF10. We found that specific PBAF, designated as dcPBAF, is dominant in mature neurons. dcPBAF is associated with TAF4, TAF5, TAF6, TAF9 subunits of TFIID, does not contain BRD7 and is characterized by the presence of PHF10 isoform lacking N-terminal amino acids and DPF. The dcPBAF binds promoters of actively transcribed housekeeping and neuron specific genes in terminally differentiated neurons of adult mouse. It maintains high transcription level of neuron specific genes in differentiated human neuronal cell. These data indicate some specific features of PBAF mediated chromatin in terminally differentiated mammalian cells. Overall design: ChIP-seq signal of the PHF10 protein occupancy in cerebellum of P65 (postnatal 56 days) mouse.