Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Isolation and Cultivation of Neural Progenitors Followed by Chromatin-Immunoprecipitation of Histone 3 Lysine 79 Dimethylation Mark
Published on: January 26, 2018
Direct interaction between SET8 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen couples H4-K20 methylation with DNA
Michael S Y Huen1, Shirley M-H Sy, Jan M van Deursen
1Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.
The histone methyltransferase SET8 (also known as Pr-Set7) monomethylates histone H4 during S phase, a process crucial for cell division. SET8 is essential for embryonic development, as its deletion in mice leads to embryonic lethality.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Histone modifications regulate gene expression and chromatin structure.
- Dysregulation of histone-modifying enzymes is linked to cancer and developmental disorders.
- The histone methyltransferase SET8's specific role and regulation remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the temporal and spatial control of SET8 activity.
- To investigate the function of SET8 in cellular processes and development.
Main Methods:
- Investigated SET8's interaction with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).
- Assessed the role of SET8 in S phase progression.
- Analyzed the consequences of SET8 deletion in mouse models.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that SET8 monomethylates histone H4 at Lysine 20 during S phase.
- Showed SET8 tethers to PCNA via a PCNA-interacting protein box.
- Confirmed SET8 is required for S phase progression.
- Found SET8 deletion in mice results in embryonic lethality.
Conclusions:
- SET8 activity is regulated by its tethering to PCNA during S phase.
- SET8 plays a critical role in DNA replication and S phase progression.
- SET8 is indispensable for mammalian embryogenesis.
More Related Videos
09:14Examination of Proteins Bound to Nascent DNA in Mammalian Cells Using BrdU-ChIP-Slot-Western Technique
Published on: January 14, 2016
08:53Strand-Specific Analysis of Proteins at Replicating DNA Strands by Enrichment and Sequencing of Protein-Associated Nascent DNA Method
Published on: May 2, 2025
Related Concept Videos
S-Cdk Initiates DNA Replication
Two states at the origin of replication
In eukaryotes, the initiation of replication occurs at many sites on the chromosomes, called the origins of replication.
S-Cdk Initiates DNA Replication
Two states at the origin of replication
In eukaryotes, the initiation of replication occurs at many sites on the chromosomes, called the origins of replication.
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
Restarting Stalled Replication Forks
Negative Regulator Molecules