ZCCHC4 Promotes Translation of Replication-dependent Histone mRNAs by Recruiting Cytoplasmic eIF3 complex

Chromatin instability is a major driving force in tumorigenesis, so the correct chromatin structure is essential for maintaining genome stability during the various stages of the cell cycle and DNA template processes. However, there is limited research on how histones are regulated and whether insufficient histone supply leads to chromatin instability, thereby affecting the process of tumor generation.

Our study demonstrates that ZCCHC4 exhibits dual subcellular localization in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Notably, in the cytoplasm, ZCCHC4 facilitates the translation of replication-dependent (RD) histone mRNAs, potentially through direct interaction with components of the translation initiation machinery. Depletion of ZCCHC4 results in a global reduction in protein translation, particularly affecting the translation of replication-dependent histones. This translational impairment prolongs the S phase of the cell cycle, leading to insufficient histone supply, chromatin relaxation, and genomic instability. Moreover, ZCCHC4 knockout markedly inhibits cell proliferation, colony-forming ability, and the growth of xenograft tumors.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ZCCHC4 plays a pivotal role in regulating global protein translation by interacting with the eIF3 complex, which is essential for efficient mRNA translation in cancer cells and for sustaining the supply of replication-dependent histones during the S phase.