Polycomb group proteins maintain the gene-expression pattern of different cells during early development by regulating chromatin structure. New research finds a new role of one member of polycomb group proteins. Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine have found that a protein complex, which is crucial for neuron formation, may be also involved in neurodegenerative disorders. The study appears in Nature Neuroscience. The protein complex, known as Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), is a histone methyltransferase required for epigenetic silencing during development. PRC2 (Polycomb Repressive Complex 2) is one of the two classes of polycomb-group proteins or (PcG). Mice cannot live without PRC2, suggesting that this protein complex plays a key role in mice. Epigenetics refers to external modifications to DNA that regulate gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetics control gene expression by certain molecules other than an individual's DNA sequence. Certain protein complexes such as PRC2 are implicated in the cellular activities related to gene expression. PRC2 is an epigenetic regulator that silences the expression of certain genes. Although it’s known that PRC2 is important for normal brain development, little is known about how this protein complex influences the specialization and function of adult medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum of the brain. The striatum is responsible for regulating voluntary movements. The expression of certain genes determines the identity and function of MSNs. Moreover, maintaining the identity of an MSN is essential for normal motor function. The study was aimed to investigate the role of PRC2 in MSN formation and function. Dr Anne Schaefer and the team created a mouse model that did not have PRC2 in nerve cells in the forebrain, and observed that PRC2 deficiency in MSNs and other neurons led to inappropriate reactivation of genes that are generally switched off, indicating that PRC2 plays a critical role in maintaining MSNs' identity. Further examination showed that gene expression changes in PRC2-deficient neurons resulted in neurodegeneration in experimental animals. The data revealed that the PRC2 complex helps to protect neurons against degeneration. Besides, CusAb offers proteins such as Recombinant ITGB5 for research. Welcome to contact us.
