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11:09
Chromatin Isolation by RNA Purification (ChIRP)
Published on: March 25, 2012
Short RNAs are transcribed from repressed polycomb target genes and interact with polycomb repressive complex-2
Aditi Kanhere1, Keijo Viiri, Carla C Araújo
1Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London W1T 4JF, UK.
Molecular Cell
|June 15, 2010
Summary
Short RNAs transcribed from polycomb targets interact with Polycomb Repressive Complex-2 (PRC2) to repress gene expression. These RNAs are linked to H3K4me3 and may guide PRC2 to its target genes.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- Polycomb proteins maintain cell identity by repressing developmental genes.
- Polycomb Repressive Complex-2 (PRC2) catalyzes histone H3 lysine-27 trimethylation (H3K27me3).
- The association of PRC2 targets with H3K4me3 is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of short RNAs in Polycomb-mediated gene repression.
- To understand the mechanism linking H3K4me3 and PRC2 activity.
Main Methods:
- Identification and characterization of short RNAs from polycomb target genes.
- Analysis of RNA polymerase II and H3K4me3 association with short RNA transcription.
- Investigation of short RNA interaction with PRC2 components (SUZ12).
- Assessment of short RNA-induced gene repression in cis.
Main Results:
- A novel class of short RNAs (50-200 nt) is transcribed from the 5' end of polycomb target genes.
- Short RNA transcription is associated with RNA polymerase II and H3K4me3, independent of polycomb activity.
- These short RNAs interact with PRC2 via SUZ12, induce gene repression, and are absent from activated genes.
Conclusions:
- Short RNAs may play a crucial role in recruiting PRC2 to its target genes.
- This mechanism provides a link between H3K4me3 and PRC2-mediated gene silencing.
- Short RNAs represent a new regulatory layer in Polycomb-mediated epigenetic control.
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