The SWIRM domain: a conserved module found in chromosomal proteins points to novel chromatin-modifying activities

Using computational sequence-profile analysis methods, a previously uncharacterized, predicted α-helical domain of about 85 residues was identified in chromosomal proteins such as Swi3p, Rsc8p, Moira and several other uncharacterized proteins. This module, termed the SWIRM domain, is predicted to mediate specific protein-protein interactions in the assembly of chromatin-protein complexes.