논문 상세보기
pp.273-279
후성유전학적 조절은 DNA 서열상의 변화 없이도 유전자의 기능을 변화시킬 수 있는 현상을 뜻한다. 염색체의 후성유전학적 상태는 히스톤 변형, DNA 변형 그리고 RNAi에 의한 유전자 침묵 등에 의해 조절된다. 본 총설에서는 배아줄기세포에서의 후성 유전학적 조절에 영향을 주는 요인으로서 히스톤(histone)의 메틸화에 초점을 맞추었다. 배아줄기세포에서 발현되는 유전자의 조절에는 두 가지 단백질 복합체가 관여한다. Polycomb repressive c
Epigenetic regulation is a phenomenon that changes the gene function without changing the underlying DNA sequences. Epigenetic status of chromosome is regulated by mechanisms such as histone modification, DNA modification, and RNAi silencing. In this review, we focused on histone methylation for epigenetic regulation in ES cells. Two antagonizing multiprotein complexes regulate methylation of histones to guide expression of genes in ES cells. The Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), including EED, EZH2, and SUZ12 as core factors, contributes to gene repression by increasing trimethylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3). In contrast, the Trithorax group (TrxG) complex including MLL is related to gene activation by making H3K4me3. PRC2 and TrxG accompany a variety of accessory proteins. Most prominent feature of epigenetic regulation in ES cells is a bivalent state in which H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 appear simultaneously. Concerted regulation of PRC2, TrxG complex, and H3K4- or H3K27-specific demethylases activate expression of pluripotency-related genes and suppress development-related genes in ES cells. Modified balance of the regulators also enables ES cells to efficiently differentiate to a variety of cells upon differentiating signals. More detailed insights on the epigenetic regulators and their action will lead us to better understanding and use of ES cells for future application.
