PcG蛋白复合体对Hox基因调节的研究

PcG蛋白广泛参与到生长、发育、增殖、分化以及肿瘤发生等重要过程.而目前为止对PcG蛋白的靶基因研究最透彻的就是Hox家族. Hox基因存在于一个高度保守的基因簇内，在调控维持正常发育及肿瘤发生中有重要作用.一般认为，PcG蛋白复合物对Hox基因进行以组蛋白表观修饰为主的沉默作用，指导Hox基因适时适地发挥功能. 同时，这个过程还需要DNA连接蛋白、ncRNA等分子的辅助.本文对Hox基因和PcG蛋白的组成和功能进行介绍，并重点归纳总结了对二者关系的经典和最新认识.

PcG Protein Complex in the Regulation of Hox Genes

PcG proteins are extensively involved in the growth, development, proliferation, differentiation and tumorigenesis. Hox family is by far one of the most well-known PcG protein target genes. Hox is organized in a highly conserved gene cluster. Hox plays a key role in the regulation and maintenance of normal development and tumorigenesis. It is generally believed that PcG complexes silence Hox gene through epigenetic modification of histones, and results in appropriate temporal control of Hox expression. Such process requires the DNA ligation factors and ncRNA. In this review, we introduced the structure and function of Hox genes and PcG proteins. We also summarized both classic and up-to-date knowledge of the Hox and PcG.