CHD6 is a DNA-dependent ATPase and localizes at nuclear sites of mRNA synthesis

The CHD family of proteins comprises ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes, which combine chromodomains, with SWI2/SNF2 ATPase/helicase motifs and DNA-binding capability. In the last few years, CHD proteins have drawn increased attention, because some of them were found to form large multi-subunit complexes, involved in transcription-related events like gene activation, suppression, or histone modification. We previously described the identification of CHD6, a protein of the CHD subfamily III. In the present study, we report that CHD6 is expressed in cells of human origin and in various mouse tissues. Subcellular distribution of CHD6 is restricted to the nucleoplasm. We further show that CHD6 colocalizes with both hypo- and hyperphosphorlylated forms of RNA polymerase II. CHD6 was found to be present at sites of mRNA synthesis and to be part of a high molecular weight complex. Moreover, we demonstrate DNA-dependent ATPase activity of CHD6.