Role of Histone H3 Lysine 27 Methylation in Polycomb-Group Silencing

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1076997
• Publication Date: 2002-10-31T22:41:12Z
• Authors: Ru Cao; Liangjun Wang; Hengbin Wang; Li Xia; Hediye Erdjument-...; Paul Tempst; Richard S. Jones; Yi Zhang
• Keywords: PRC2; Histone Methylation; Chromodomain; Polycomb-group proteins

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins play important roles in maintaining the silent state of HOX genes. Recent studies have implicated histone methylation long-term gene silencing. However, a connection between PcG-mediated silencing and has not been established. Here we report purification characterization an EED-EZH2 complex, human counterpart Drosophila ESC-E(Z) complex. We demonstrate that complex specifically methylates nucleosomal H3 at lysine 27 (H3-K27). Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, show H3-K27 colocalizes with, is dependent on, E(Z) binding Ultrabithorax (Ubx) response element (PRE), this correlates with Ubx repression. Methylation on facilitates (PC), component PRC1 to amino-terminal tail. Thus, these establish link