[Polycomb group protein complexes].
The transcriptional repressors of the polycomb group (PcG) proteins regulate the targeted genes expression through chromatin modifications. They can be separated biochemically and functionally into two major core multiprotein complexes: PRC1 (Polycomb repressive complex 1) and PRC2 (Polycomb repressive complex 2). Studies revealed that PcG proteins were not only crucial for correct execution of developmental programs but also involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. This paper summarizes the components of PcG proteins complexes, its silencing mechanisms and biological functions, and discusses the study of PcG proteins in future.
Ma
Ke-Xue
KX
College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China. makexue@sina.com
Xi
Xing-Zi
XZ
D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D002843:Chromatin; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins