Introduction to Polycomb Group Mechanisms

摘要: Abstract Polycomb ( Pc ) mutations were first described by Ed Lewis in 1978, and the gene was characterized as a repressor of Drosophila homeotic genes, which are key developmental genes that determine anterior–posterior identity embryonic domains. The name, usual , comes from common phenotype mutation. In this case, dominant flies heterozygous for loss function mutation is appearance sex comb—a row thick bristles usually found only on anterior legs male flies, second sometimes third legs. This due to decreased repression owing reduced levels protein. mechanisms now known control not just but general chromatin-modifying mechanism generates repressive state controls expression most growth differentiation metazoans.