Core component of the CAF-1 complex, a complex that is thought to mediate chromatin assembly in DNA replication and DNA repair. Assembles histone octamers onto replicating DNA in vitro. CAF-1 performs the first step of the nucleosome assembly process, bringing newly synthesized histones H3 and H4 to replicating DNA; histones H2A/H2B can bind to this chromatin precursor subsequent to DNA replication to complete the histone octamer. It may play a role in heterochromatin maintenance in proliferating cells by bringing newly synthesized cbx proteins to heterochromatic DNA replication foci. Homodimer. Part of the CAF-1 complex that contains RBBP4, CHAF1B and CHAF1A. CHAF1A binds directly to CHAF1B. Only minor amounts of RBBP4 are complexed with CHAF1A and CHAF1B in G1 phase. CHAF1A binds directly to PCNA and to CBX1. Interacts with MBD1. Interacts directly with CBX5 via the PxVxL motif. Interacts with CBX5. Interacts with histones H3.1, H3.2 and H3.1t (By similarity). DNA replication foci. Contains one Pro-Xaa-Val-Xaa-Leu (PxVxL) motif, which is required for interaction with chromoshadow domains. This motif requires additional residues -7, -6, +4 and +5 of the central Val which contact the chromoshadow domain (By similarity). Belongs to the CHAF1A family.