SETting the stage. Eed-Enx1 leaves an epigenetic signature on the inactive X chromosome.
Despite evidence implicating the Polycomb group protein, Eed (embryonic ectoderm development protein) in imprinted X inactivation, a similar role in random X inactivation in the embryo has remained an open question. Brockdorff and colleagues now report that Eed, along with its binding partner Enx1, transiently associates with the inactive X chromosome (Xi) and likely contributes to the epigenetic signature and long-term stability of the Xi heterochromatin.
Chadwick
Brian P
BP
Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Willard
Huntington F
HF
D000818:Animals; D004303:Dosage Compensation, Genetic; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics; D000076983:Histone Methyltransferases; D011495:Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase; D006801:Humans; D008780:Methyltransferases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D063151:Polycomb Repressive Complex 2; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D011496:Protein Methyltransferases; D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000235:genetics; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D039901:Totipotent Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D014960:X Chromosome / Q000235:genetics*
C491488:EED protein, human; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding; D022661:RNA, Untranslated; D012097:Repressor Proteins; C077885:XIST non-coding RNA; D000076983:Histone Methyltransferases; D008780:Methyltransferases; D011496:Protein Methyltransferases; D011495:Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase; D063151:Polycomb Repressive Complex 2