title: Crosstalk between histone modifications maintains the developmental pattern of gene expression on a tissue-specific locus.
abstract: Genome wide studies have provided a wealth of information related to histone modifications. Particular modifications, which can encompass both broad and discrete regions, are associated with certain genomic elements and gene expression status. Here we focus on how studies on the beta-globin gene cluster can complement the genome wide effort through the thorough dissection of histone modifying protein crosstalk. The beta-globin locus serves as a model system to study both regulation of gene expression driven at a distance by enhancers and mechanisms of developmental switching of clustered genes. We investigate recent studies, which uncover that histone methyltransferases, recruited at the beta-globin enhancer, control gene expression by long range propagation on chromatin. Specifically, we focus on how seemingly antagonistic complexes, such as those including MLL2, G9a and UTX, can cooperate to functionally regulate developmentally controlled gene expression. Finally, we speculate on the mechanisms of chromatin modifying complex propagation on genomic domains.
authors.affiliation: The Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, CA.
authors.forename: Alison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hosey
authors.forename: Chandra-Prakash
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Chaturvedi
authors.forename: Marjorie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brand
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D056426:Genetic Loci / Q000235:genetics*; D000076983:Histone Methyltransferases; D011495:Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009928:Organ Specificity / Q000235:genetics*; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D055544:beta-Globins / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D006657:Histones; D055544:beta-Globins; D000076983:Histone Methyltransferases; D011495:Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase