This gene encodes a highly conserved nonhistone protein, which is a member of the heterochromatin protein family. The protein,also named heterochromatin protein 1 alpha (HP1a), is enriched in the heterochromatin and associated with centromeres. The protein has a single N-terminal chromodomain and a C-terminal chromo shadow-domain (CSD) . The HP1a was expressed in nucleus and associates specifically with chromatin during metaphase and anaphase.Recent studies have shown that HP1a is present at many euchromatic sites and positively regulates euchromatic gene expression through RNA transcript association and interaction with hnRNPs in Drosophila.
