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A functionally conserved Polycomb response element from mouse HoxD complex responds to heterochromatin factors
Dasari Vasanthi1, A Nagabhushan, Navneet Kaur Matharu
1Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial research, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India.
Scientific Reports
|October 23, 2013
Summary
The HoxD Polycomb response element (PRE) is crucial for regulating gene expression during development. Its function relies on Polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (trxG) proteins, ensuring proper body axis formation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- The anterior-posterior body axis in bilaterians is established by Hox gene clusters, regulated by chromatin structure and Polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (trxG) proteins.
- A previously identified mouse HoxD Polycomb response element (PRE) shows functional conservation in flies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the molecular and genetic interactions of the mouse HoxD PRE.
- To understand the regulatory mechanisms controlling Hox gene expression patterns during development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Drosophila melanogaster and vertebrate cell culture as model systems.
- Investigated molecular and genetic interactions of the mouse HoxD PRE.
Main Results:
- The repressive activity of the HoxD PRE is dependent on PcG/trxG genes.
- Heterochromatin components are essential for the function of the HoxD PRE.
- A diverse set of factors interact with the HoxD PRE.
Conclusions:
- The HoxD PRE plays a significant role in establishing and maintaining homeotic gene expression patterns.
- These regulatory mechanisms are critical for early embryonic development and pattern maintenance.
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