Polycomb and Trithorax Group Genes in Drosophila | Zendy

Judith A. Kassis | Zendy; James A. Kennison | Zendy; John W. Tamkun | Zendy

AI Assistant Blog Pricing

Home ZAIA Blog

Open Access

Polycomb and Trithorax Group Genes in Drosophila

Author(s) -

Judith A. Kassis,

James A. Kennison,

John W. Tamkun

Publication year - 2017

Publication title -

genetics

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 2.792

H-Index - 246

eISSN - 1943-2631

pISSN - 0016-6731

DOI - 10.1534/genetics.115.185116

Subject(s) - homeotic gene , hox gene , biology , polycomb group proteins , genetics , gene , chromatin , ultrabithorax , transcription factor , transcription (linguistics) , repressor , linguistics , philosophy

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.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.

Having issues? You can contact us here

Accelerating Research