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Genome-wide Analysis using ChIP to Identify Isoform-specific Gene Targets
11:19

Genome-wide Analysis using ChIP to Identify Isoform-specific Gene Targets

Published on: July 7, 2010

Hox gene products modulate the DNA binding activity of Pbx1 and Pbx2

M A van Dijk1, L T Peltenburg, C Murre

  • 1Department of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093, USA.

Mechanisms of Development
|July 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Vertebrate Hox and Pbx proteins, including Pbx1 and Pbx2, bind cooperatively to DNA. This interaction is modulated by Engrailed-2 and is retained in the E2A-Pbx1 leukemia-associated protein.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • A novel family of homeodomain proteins, including extradenticle, ceh-20, and mammalian Pbx1-3, has been identified.
  • Homeodomain proteins play critical roles in gene regulation and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the DNA-binding interactions between members of the Pbx protein family and Hox proteins.
  • To determine the role of Engrailed-2 in modulating Pbx protein DNA binding.
  • To examine the interaction of the chimeric E2A-Pbx1 protein with Hox proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Co-immunoprecipitation assays to assess protein-protein interactions.
  • Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) to study DNA binding.
  • Analysis of DNA binding activity of wild-type and chimeric proteins.

Main Results:

  • Pbx1 and Pbx2 proteins bind cooperatively to DNA in conjunction with Hoxb-7 and Hoxb-8.
  • Engrailed-2 influences the DNA binding of Pbx proteins at specific target sites.
  • The leukemia-associated chimera E2A-Pbx1 maintains its capacity to interact with Hox proteins.

Conclusions:

  • Vertebrate Hox and Pbx gene products exhibit cooperative DNA binding capabilities.
  • These interactions are crucial for gene regulation in development and disease.
  • Pbx proteins are key partners for Hox proteins in transcriptional regulation.

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