Work

Binding Interactions between Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR and PRC2 Proteins

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in the epigenetic regulation of cells. Many of these lncRNAs function by interacting with histone repressive proteins of the Polycomb group (PcG) family, recruiting them to gene loci to facilitate silencing. Although there are now many RNAs known to interact with the PRC2 complex, little is known about the details of the molecular interactions. Here, we show that the PcG protein heterodimer EZH2-EED is necessary and sufficient for binding to the lncRNA HOTAIR. We also show that protein recognition occurs within a folded 89-mer domain of HOTAIR. This 89-mer represents a minimal binding motif, as further deletion of nucleotides results in substantial loss of affinity for PRC2. These findings provide molecular insights into an important system involved in epigenetic regulation.

Source: Biochemistry

DOI: 10.1021/bi401085h

Authors: Liang Wu, Pierre Murat, Dijana Matak-Vinkovic, Adele Murrell, Shankar Balasubramanian

Institutions: University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Center

Language: English

Topic: Cancer-related molecular mechanisms research

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funder: Cancer Research UK