Non-specific DNA-binding protein that plays key roles in mitotic nuclear reassembly, chromatin organization, DNA damage response, gene expression and intrinsic immunity against foreign DNA (   , ). Contains two non-specific double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)-binding sites which promote DNA cross-bridging . Plays a key role in nuclear membrane reformation at the end of mitosis by driving formation of a single nucleus in a spindle-independent manner . Transiently cross-bridges anaphase chromosomes via its ability to bridge distant DNA sites, leading to the formation of a dense chromatin network at the chromosome ensemble surface that limits membranes to the surface . Also acts as a negative regulator of innate immune activation by restricting CGAS activity toward self-DNA upon acute loss of nuclear membrane integrity . Outcompetes CGAS for DNA-binding, thereby preventing CGAS activation and subsequent damaging autoinflammatory responses . Also involved in DNA damage response: interacts with PARP1 in response to oxidative stress, thereby inhibiting the ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of PARP1 . Involved in the recognition of exogenous dsDNA in the cytosol: associates with exogenous dsDNA immediately after its appearance in the cytosol at endosome breakdown and is required to avoid autophagy . In case of poxvirus infection, has an antiviral activity by blocking viral DNA replication .
(Microbial infection) Exploited by retroviruses for inhibiting self-destructing autointegration of retroviral DNA, thereby promoting integration of viral DNA into the host chromosome ( ). EMD and BAF are cooperative cofactors of HIV-1 infection . Association of EMD with the viral DNA requires the presence of BAF and viral integrase . The association of viral DNA with chromatin requires the presence of BAF and EMD .
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Chromosome, Nucleus envelope, Cytoplasm
Significantly enriched at the nuclear inner membrane, diffusely throughout the nucleus during interphase and concentrated at the chromosomes during the M-phase (, ). The phosphorylated form (by VRK1) shows a cytoplasmic localization whereas the unphosphorylated form locates almost exclusively in the nucleus (, ). May be included in HIV-1 virions via its interaction with viral GAG polyprotein .
Widely expressed. Expressed in colon, brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, ovary, pancreas, placenta, prostate, skeletal muscle, small intestine, spleen and testis. Not detected in thymus and peripheral blood leukocytes.