Identification of conserved chromatin-regulatory complexes among the class B synthetic multivulva proteins

The class A, B, and C synthetic Multivulva (synMuv) genes act redundantly to antagonize Ras-mediated vulval induction in C. elegans. Many of these genes encode proteins that are likely to function in transcriptional repression and chromatin remodeling. The class B synMuv protein LIN-35 is similar to the mammalian tumor suppressor Rb. Studies of mammalian systems have identified many chromatin-remodeling factors that are recruited to promoters through association with Rb or other pocket proteins. We have identified a complex of at least seven class B synMuv proteins, including LIN-35 Rb. While this complex contains proteins such as DPL-1 DP and LIN-53 RbAp48 that were thought to interact with LIN-35 Rb based on similarities to mammalian systems, it also includes four additional proteins that were not previously known to be associated with pocket proteins- LIN-9, LIN-37, LIN-52, and LIN-54. We have named this complex the DRM complex for DP, Rb, and MuvB, complex. As similar protein complexes were simultaneously identified in flies, and these proteins all have mammalian homologs, it is likely that a similar complex exists in humans to regulate gene expression.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Biology.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Harrison, Melissa M

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• H. Robert Horvitz.

• Biology.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/37260

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/37260