# The role of JADE in HBO complexes

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2020 · $461,092

## Abstract

Project Summary
JADE is a core subunit of the major human lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) HBO complexes,
essential in the regulation of transcriptional and developmental programs and linked to
haematological abnormalities. JADE is required for proper functioning of the HBO complexes,
however its role in the complexes remains unclear. JADE contains three adjacent zinc fingers that
may have an integrated function. Neither the functional relationship nor structural organization of
components of the JADE zinc fingers are known. Our recent studies demonstrate that the zinc
fingers of JADE recognize both histone tails and DNA, revealing a novel link between HBO-
mediated acetylation and the complex assembly on chromatin. Our major hypothesis is that the
chromatin-binding activity of the zinc fingers of JADE is necessary to bridge the HBO complexes
to promoters of actively transcribed genes and for the KAT selectivity of the complex. We seek to
determine the molecular mechanism, the structural basis and functional significance of the JADE
engagement with chromatin. We will use a combination of complementary in vitro and in vivo
approaches, integrating structural, biochemical, molecular biology, and cell biology tools to gain
insight into the role of the JADE zinc finger cassette in biological functions of the HBO complexes.
This study is of fundamental importance for understanding the epigenetic mechanisms of
acetyltransferase-stimulated transcriptional activation. Elucidating the molecular basis of the
JADE/HBO-chromatin interaction is also essential to better understand the etiology of
haematological diseases caused by aberrant acetylation and may pave the way for the
development of novel therapies to treat or prevent these diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9935843
- **Project number:** 1R01HL151334-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** TATIANA G KUTATELADZE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $461,092
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-05-15 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9935843

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9935843, The role of JADE in HBO complexes (1R01HL151334-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9935843. Licensed CC0.

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