Enzyme or Coenzyme

X-linked Nuclear Protein

ATP-dependent DNA helicase that contains two N-terminal ZINC FINGERS and C-terminal ATP-binding and helicase domains. It functions in the regulation of gene transcription and CHROMATIN REMODELING. ATRX undergoes cell-cycle dependent phosphorylation, which causes it to translocate from the NUCLEAR MATRIX to CHROMATIN; thus, it may change its role from gene regulation during INTERPHASE to ensuring proper chromosome segregation at MITOSIS. Mutations in the ATRX gene are associated with cases of X-LINKED MENTAL RETARDATION co-morbid with ALPHA-THALASSEMIA (ATRX syndrome).