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Fsh-Pc-Sce complex mediates active transcription of Cubitus interruptus (Ci)

Xiangdong Lv1, Hao Chen1, Shuo Zhang1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.

Journal of Molecular Cell Biology
|February 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Female sterile (1) homeotic (Fsh) directly activates Cubitus interruptus (Ci) transcription. The Fsh-Polycomb (Pc)-Sex combs extra (Sce) complex regulates Ci expression, coordinating gene transcription in developmental pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is crucial for embryonic development and tissue homeostasis.
  • The transcription factor Cubitus interruptus (Ci) mediates Hh pathway functions.
  • Transcriptional regulation of Ci itself remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the transcriptional regulation of the Ci gene.
  • To identify factors that control Ci expression.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Ci regulation.

Main Methods:

  • RNAi-based genetic screen to identify regulatory factors.
  • Biochemistry assays to confirm protein interactions.
  • Functional assays in mutant cells to assess gene expression and regulation.

Main Results:

  • Female sterile (1) homeotic (Fsh) was identified as a direct activator of Ci transcription.
  • Physical interactions were confirmed among Fsh, Sex combs extra (Sce), and Polycomb (Pc).
  • Pc and Sce are essential for Ci expression, independent of Engrailed (En) repression.
  • Pc/Sce facilitates Fsh binding to the Ci locus, and Fsh-Pc interaction is vital for Ci transcription.

Conclusions:

  • Ci is transcriptionally regulated by the Fsh-Pc-Sce complex.
  • Fsh and Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins coordinate in regulating gene transcription.
  • This study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism for a key developmental transcription factor.

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