Polycomb Group Proteins

Polycomb Group Proteins is a comprehensive volume detailing the mechanisms that are key to the management of genome function in many different contexts, from embryonic stem cells to terminal differentiation. The book discusses the regulation of cell lineages, cell proliferation, apoptosis, X chromosome inactivation, and most major genome programming choices.

In the last few years, the biochemical understanding of PRC1-type complexes has greatly expanded in terms of the number of components involved and the intricacies of their interactions. The functionalities of these various complexes and their components are not all well understood, but recent work has shown an important division of labor and roles in the recruitment of stable binding in the ability to lay the groundwork of histone modifications and in the epigenetic maintenance of repressed states.

In an effort to provide clarity in this topical research area, the book provides a cluster of chapters that deal with variant PRC1 complexes, their taxonomy, their components, their interactions, and what is known of their functions.

Provides topical coverage on accessory components that are known to be involved in PcG recruitment in Drosophila and their less understood role in mammalsIncludes dedicated sections on PRC1 complexes and PRC2 complexes for quick referenceFeatures the role of RNA molecules in different aspects of Polycomb proteins involvement in epigenetic regulation, beginning with the key role of the Xist RNA in recruiting and spreading PcG complexes on the inactive X chromosome

1. Introduction to Polycomb Group Mechanisms 2. The Role of RAWUL and SAM in Polycomb Repression Complex 1 Assembly and Function 3. The Chromodomain of Polycomb: Methylation Reader and Beyond 4. Unraveling the Roles of Canonical and Noncanonical PRC1 Complexes 5. Structure and Biochemistry of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 Ubiquitin Ligase Module 6. Cooperative Recruitment of Polycomb Complexes by Polycomb Response Elements 7. Polycomb Function and Nuclear Organization 8. Molecular Architecture of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 9. Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Structure and Function 10. Regulation of PRC2 Activity 11. Activating Mutations of the EZH2 Histone Methyltransferase in Cancer 12. PcG Proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans 13. Global Functions of PRC2 Complexes