Emerging roles for Polycomb proteins in cancer. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pasini, Diego; Di Croce, Luciano
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in genetics & development. Volume 36(2016)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Genetics -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; Developmental genetics -- Periodicals; 576.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2016.03.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-437X

Abstract

Abstract : The activities of the heterogeneous Polycomb (PcG) group of proteins ensure that the developmental processes of proliferation and cellular identity establishment are carried out correctly. PcG proteins assemble stable multiprotein complexes that, together with additional factors, maintain their target genes in a transcriptionally repressive state. The biochemical and functional features of PcG proteins have been extensively investigated over the years. Here we analyse the biochemical and mechanistic proprieties of PcG proteins with respect to recent advances that link the genetic alterations of PcG activity to cancer development.