E(z): a polycomb group gene or a trithorax group gene?

• Published in: Development (Cambridge) Vol. 122; no. 7; pp. 2189 - 2197
• Main Authors: LaJeunesse, D, Shearn, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England The Company of Biologists Limited 01.07.1996
• Subjects: Alleles; Animals; beta-Galactosidase - analysis; Central Nervous System - embryology; DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; Drosophila; Drosophila melanogaster - embryology; Drosophila melanogaster - genetics; Drosophila Proteins; Embryo, Nonmammalian - chemistry; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental - genetics; Genes, Homeobox; Genes, Insect; Genes, Regulator; Immunohistochemistry; Insect Hormones - genetics; Male; Nucleoproteins - genetics; Phenotype; Polycomb Repressive Complex 1; Temperature; Transcription Factors; Transcription, Genetic; Wings, Animal - embryology
• ISSN: 0950-1991; 1477-9129
• DOI: 10.1242/dev.122.7.2189

The products of the Polycomb group of genes are cooperatively involved in repressing expression of homeotic selector genes outside of their appropriate anterior/posterior boundaries. Loss of maternal and/or zygotic function of Polycomb group genes results in the ectopic expression of both Antennapedia Complex and Bithorax Complex genes. The products of the trithorax group of genes are cooperatively involved in maintaining active expression of homeotic selector genes within their appropriate anterior/posterior boundaries. Loss of maternal and/or zygotic function of trithorax group genes results in reduced expression of both Antennapedia Complex and Bithorax Complex genes. Although Enhancer of zeste has been classified as a member of the Polycomb group, in this paper we show that Enhancer of zeste can also be classified as a member of the trithorax group. The requirement for Enhancer of zeste activity as either a trithorax group or Polycomb group gene depends on the homeotic selector gene locus as well as on spatial and temporal cues.