The CLAMP protein links the MSL complex to the X chromosome during Drosophila dosage compensation.

The Drosophila male-specific lethal (MSL) dosage compensation complex increases transcript levels on the single male X chromosome to equal the transcript levels in XX females. However, it is not known how the MSL complex is linked to its DNA recognition elements, the critical first step in dosage compensation. Here, we demonstrate that a previously uncharacterized zinc finger protein, CLAMP (chromatin-linked adaptor for MSL proteins), functions as the first link between the MSL complex and the X chromosome. CLAMP directly binds to the MSL complex DNA recognition elements and is required for the recruitment of the MSL complex. The discovery of CLAMP identifies a key factor required for the chromosome-specific targeting of dosage compensation, providing new insights into how subnuclear domains of coordinate gene regulation are formed within metazoan genomes.

Identification of chromatin-associated regulators of MSL complex targeting in Drosophila dosage compensation.

Sex chromosome dosage compensation in Drosophila provides a model for understanding how chromatin organization can modulate coordinate gene regulation. Male Drosophila increase the transcript levels of genes on the single male X approximately two-fold to equal the gene expression in females, which have two X-chromosomes. Dosage compensation is mediated by the Male-Specific Lethal (MSL) histone acetyltransferase complex. Five core components of the MSL complex were identified by genetic screens for genes that are specifically required for male viability and are dispensable for females. However, because dosage compensation must interface with the general transcriptional machinery, it is likely that identifying additional regulators that are not strictly male-specific will be key to understanding the process at a mechanistic level. Such regulators would not have been recovered from previous male-specific lethal screening strategies. Therefore, we have performed a cell culture-based, genome-wide RNAi screen to search for factors required for MSL targeting or function. Here we focus on the discovery of proteins that function to promote MSL complex recruitment to "chromatin entry sites," which are proposed to be the initial sites of MSL targeting. We find that components of the NSL (Non-specific lethal) complex, and a previously unstudied zinc-finger protein, facilitate MSL targeting and display a striking enrichment at MSL entry sites. Identification of these factors provides new insight into how MSL complex establishes the specialized hyperactive chromatin required for dosage compensation in Drosophila.

Supplemental use of an interferon-gamma release assay in a state-wide tuberculosis contact tracing program in Victoria: a six-year review.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculin skin testing (TST) has been the accepted Australian standard for investigating contacts following exposure to infectious tuberculosis (TB). In recent years, the availability of the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) has introduced a potential alternative test but data on its use in this context are limited. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted from 2008-2013 to review the use of IGRA and subsequent TB disease following testing in a state-wide contact tracing program. Additional information on the experience and acceptability of IGRA in this context was also obtained through program staff surveys following implementation. RESULTS: IGRA testing was performed on 643 contacts, with a mean follow-up of 3.7 years. IGRA was primarily used to supplement TST, most commonly due to borderline TST reactivity in individuals who had bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination. Where both TST and IGRA were performed, correlation of test results was poor (kappa=0.35). The negative predictive value for later development of active TB was 99.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that IGRA are able to be incorporated safely and effectively as a supplement to TST-based contact tracing.