Polycomb repressive complex 2 in embryonic stem cells: an overview

Protein Cell. 2010 Dec;1(12):1056-62. doi: 10.1007/s13238-010-0142-7. Epub 2011 Jan 8.

Abstract

Polycomb Group Proteins (PcG) are a family of epigenetic regulators responsible for the repression of an array of genes important in development and cell fate specification. PcG proteins complex to form two types of epigenetic regulators: Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 and 2 (PRC1 and PRC2). Although the mechanisms regulating PRC2 recruitment and activity in mammals remain poorly understood, recent work has identified a non-canonical PRC2 in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) with unique activities required for repression of PRC2 target genes and necessary for mESC differentiation and somatic cell reprogramming. Here we review the functions of PRC2 in embryonic stem cells and explore the role of the newly identified mESC specific PRC2 regulatory subunits Jarid2 (jumonji, AT rich interactive domain 2), Mtf2 (metal response element binding transcription factor 2) and esPRC2p48.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Histones
  • Jarid2 protein, mouse
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins
  • Protein Subunits
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2