Work

Polycomb and Trithorax Group Genes in Drosophila

Year: 2017

Type: review

Abstract: Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) genes encode important regulators of development and differentiation in metazoans. These two groups of genes were discovered in Drosophila by their opposing effects on homeotic gene (Hox) expression. PcG genes collectively behave as genetic repressors of Hox genes, while the TrxG genes are necessary for HOX gene expression or function. Biochemical studies showed that many PcG proteins are present in two protein complexes, Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2, which repress transcription via chromatin modifications. TrxG proteins activate transcription via a variety of mechanisms. Here we summarize the large body of genetic and biochemical experiments in Drosophila on these two important groups of genes.

Source: Genetics

DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.185116

Authors: Judith A Kassis, James A Kennison, John W Tamkun

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, University of California, Santa Cruz

Language: English

Topic: Epigenetics and DNA Methylation

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2745069609

FWCI: 1.76

Cites: 310

Cited by: 240

Related to: 10