Extra View

Modularity of CHIP/LDB transcription complexes regulates cell differentiation

Volume 5, Issue 3   July/August/September 2011
Pages 200 - 205
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/fly.5.3.14854
Authors: Revital Bronstein and Daniel Segal

View affiliations

Transcription is the first step through which the cell operates, via its repertoire of transcription complexes, to direct cellular functions and cellular identity by generating the cell-specific transcriptome. The modularity of the composition of constituents of these complexes allows the cell to delicately regulate its transcriptome. In a recent study we have examined the effects of reducing the levels of specific transcription co-factors on the function of two competing transcription complexes, namely CHIP-AP and CHIP-PNR which regulate development of cells in the thorax of Drosophila. We found that changing the availability of these co-factors can shift the balance between these complexes leading to transition from utilization of CHIP-AP to CHIP-PNR. This is reflected in change in the expression profile of target genes, altering developmental cell fates. We propose that such a mechanism may operate in normal fly development. Transcription complexes analogous to CHIP-AP and CHIP-PNR exist in mammals and we discuss how such a shift in the balance between them may operate in normal mammalian development.

Extra View to:
A Simcox, S Mitra, S Truesdell, L Paul, T Chen, JP Butchar, S Justiniano. Efficient genetic method for establishing Drosophila cell lines unlocks the potential to create lines of specific genotypes. PLoS Genet ;
PMID: 21980302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen


Advertisements