Centromeric protein that plays a central role in the incorporation and maintenance of histone H3-like variant CENPA at centromeres. Acts as a specific chaperone for CENPA and is required for the incorporation of newly synthesized CENPA molecules into nucleosomes at replicated centromeres. Prevents CENPA-H4 tetramerization and prevents premature DNA binding by the CENPA-H4 tetramer. Directly binds Holliday junctions.
Specificity
Natural and recombinant Mouse Holliday junction recognition protein
Subcellular Location
Nucleus nucleolus Chromosome centromere Localizes in centromeres during late telophase and early G1, when CENPA nucleosomes are assembled. Localizes to nucleolus during S phase, nucleolus site being often related to storage.
Interacts with CENPA (via CATD domain); the interaction is direct and specific for CENPA since it does not interact with H3.1- or H3.3-containing nucleosomes. Heterotrimer composed of HJURP, CENPA and histone H4, where HJURP interacts with the dimer formed by CENPA and histone H4 and prevents tetramerization of CENPA and H4. Interacts with 14-3-3 family members in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Interacts with MSH5 and NBN.