Potential Cysteine Redox Regulation of the Polycomb Group
Abstract
The Polycomb Group (PcG) of gene silencers are chromatin associated multi-protein complexes that maintain cell identity by regulating the expression of genomic programming genes. In stem cells, PcG complexes occupy hundreds of genomic sites repressing genes required for differentiation. We aim to investigate the role of a disulfide bond that forms within a member of the PcG called Ph. We predict that the formation of the disulfide bond would have detrimental consequences to the ability of Ph to repress transcription which would hinder the ability of the stem cell to maintain their pluripotent state. Our proposed studies will provide insights into the molecular events that underlie stem cell function by shedding light on a potential target of reactive oxygen species. Greater knowledge of these processes will undoubtedly be helpful not only in expanding our understanding of how the PcG functions but also in the design of therapeutics targeted specifically to cancer stem cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA521853
Entities
People
- Chongwoo A. Kim
Organizations
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio