InterPro domain: IPR022043

The CAF-1 or chromatin assembly factor-1 consists of three subunits, and this is the first, or A [ 1 ]. The A domain is uniquely required for the progression of S phase in mouse cells [ 2 ], independent of its ability to promote histone deposition [ 3 ] but dependent on its ability to interact with HP1 - heterochromatin protein 1-rich heterochromatin domains next to centromeres that are crucial for chromosome segregation during mitosis. This HP1-CAF-1 interaction module functions as a built-in replication control for heterochromatin, which, like a control barrier, has an impact on S-phase progression in addition to DNA-based checkpoints [ 3 ].

1. Essential role of chromatin assembly factor-1-mediated rapid nucleosome assembly for DNA replication and cell division in vertebrate cells. Mol. Biol. Cell 18, 129-41
2. The HP1-p150/CAF-1 interaction is required for pericentric heterochromatin replication and S-phase progression in mouse cells. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 15, 972-9