PRC1 complex diversity: where is it taking us?

Trends Cell Biol. 2014 Nov;24(11):632-41. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2014.06.005. Epub 2014 Jul 22.

Abstract

Polycomb group proteins (PcGs) are essential epigenetic regulators that play key roles in development, pluripotency, senescence, and cancer. Recent reports have found that the composition of mammalian Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) is far more varied than previously thought. PRC1 diversity largely depends on the presence of CBX proteins, dividing them into canonical and non-canonical, the existence of redundant subunits, and different binding affinities and/or regulation. However, there is no clear insight into how many functional PRC1 complexes exist and what the biological relevance is for such diversification. In this review we focus on mammalian PRC1 and discuss the mechanisms by which canonical and non-canonical PRC1 are recruited to chromatin, their role in normal development and disease, and emerging evidence for PRC1 as a transcriptional activator.

Keywords: CBX; KDM2; PRC1; Polycomb; chromobox protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cellular Senescence
  • Chromatin / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 / genetics*
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1