title: Regulation of gene transcription by Polycomb proteins.
abstract: The Polycomb group (PcG) of proteins defines a subset of factors that physically associate and function to maintain the positional identity of cells from the embryo to adult stages. PcG has long been considered a paradigmatic model for epigenetic maintenance of gene transcription programs. Despite intensive research efforts to unveil the molecular mechanisms of action of PcG proteins, several fundamental questions remain unresolved: How many different PcG complexes exist in mammalian cells? How are PcG complexes targeted to specific loci? How does PcG regulate transcription? In this review, we discuss the diversity of PcG complexes in mammalian cells, examine newly identified modes of recruitment to chromatin, and highlight the latest insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of PcGs in transcription regulation and three-dimensional chromatin conformation.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain. ; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08002, Spain.
authors.forename: Sergi
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3853-430X
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aranda
authors.affiliation: Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain. ; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08002, Spain.
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-0730-3541
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mas
authors.affiliation: Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain. ; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08002, Spain. ; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Pg Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain.
authors.forename: Luciano
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Di Croce
keywords: Chromatin; Epigenetics; Gene Regulation