Lem4 (also called ANKLE2) and C. elegans orthologue LEM-4L are required for BAF dephosphorylation. Lem4 coordinates BAF dephosphorylation by inhibiting kinase VRK-1 and by supporting PP2A dephosphorylation of BAF during mitotic exit [].Barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF) is an essential protein that binds to dsDNA, chromatin, nuclear lamina proteins, histones and various transcription factors []. Members of the vaccinia-related kinase (VRK) family of mitotic kinases phosphorylate BAF in mitosis and meiosis; this modification strongly reduces the affinity of BAF for chromatin and slightly weakens its affinity for LEM proteins. BAF dephosphorylation has been linked to mitotic exit and postmitotic NE formation [].
