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Intergenic transcription through a polycomb group response element counteracts silencing
Sabine Schmitt1, Matthias Prestel, Renato Paro
1Zentrum für Molekular Biologie Heidelberg (ZMBH), University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Genes & Development
|March 3, 2005
Summary
Polycomb response elements (PREs) maintain cell fates by regulating gene expression. Noncoding transcription through PREs is essential for activating genes and preventing silencing, acting as a fundamental cellular memory mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Developmental Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- Polycomb group response elements (PREs) are crucial for maintaining cell fates by regulating gene expression inheritance.
- PREs typically silence associated genes through Polycomb group (PcG) complexes.
- Trithorax group (trxG) proteins counteract PcG silencing upon activation signals, maintaining active gene states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of noncoding transcription in the activation and maintenance of PRE-mediated gene expression.
- To determine if transcription through PREs is required for epigenetic memory.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a transgenic reporter system to study PRE function.
- Analyzed transcription through PREs in Drosophila, including the bithorax complex and other PREs.
- Correlated PRE transcription with the expression of target genes.
Main Results:
- Noncoding transcription through PREs is required to switch from silenced to activated states.
- Continuous transcription prevents PcG-mediated silencing and maintains epigenetic activation.
- Endogenous PREs, including those at the bithorax complex, are transcribed throughout development, suggesting an anti-silencing role.
Conclusions:
- Transcription through PREs acts as an anti-silencing mechanism, preventing PcG complex access.
- This transcriptional requirement for anti-silencing is a fundamental aspect of cellular memory systems.