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 functions as a redox trigger that is part of the normal functional activity of Ph. 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.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA536480

Entities

People

  • Chongwoo A. Kim

Organizations

  • University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anatomy
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Research
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cell Line
  • Cells
  • Cells (Biology)
  • Department Of Defense
  • Drosophila
  • Genetic Phenomena
  • Information Operations
  • Neoplasms
  • Polymerization
  • Polymers
  • Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Stem Cells

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology