The polycomb-group (Pc-G) genes of Drosophila are required to maintain appropriate repression of genes that regulate developmental processes. Pc-G genes are conserved in mammals, and mutation of the mammalian homologs leads to severe developmental defects. It is believed that Pc-G proteins function, at least in part, by forming complexes that establish a repressive chromatin structure that maintains the 'off' state of homeotic genes. In order to investigate the mechanism of repression, it is necessary to purify Pc-G complexes and to establish assays that display the function of these complexes. This proposal describes an analysis of a Pc-G complex called PRC1 that has been isolated from Drosophila and that contains several Pc-G gene products. This analysis includes the following aims: 1) Identification of the proteins that make up PRC1. There are several unknown proteins in PRC1, and these proteins will be sequenced, their cDNAs will be isolated, and the encoded proteins will be characterized using genetic and biochemical approaches. 2) A detailed functional analysis of PRC1 will be performed. 3) The human homolog of PRC1 will be isolated and characterized. These experiments should increase the knowledge of how genes are maintained in a repressed state during development.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01GM061350-01
Application #
6095930
Study Section
Cell Development and Function Integrated Review Group (CDF)
Program Officer
Greenberg, Judith H
Project Start
2000-03-01
Project End
2004-02-29
Budget Start
2000-03-01
Budget End
2001-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$206,200
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199