Research from German Cancer Research Center, Division of Molecular Biology of the Cell yields new findings on Cockayne syndrome
2007 SEP 10 -- New research, "Activation of RNA polymerase I transcription by cockayne syndrome group B protein and histone methyltransferase G9a," is the subject of a report. "Cockayne syndrome group B (CSB) protein plays a role in both transcription-coupled DNA repair and transcriptional regulation of all three classes of nuclear RNA polymerases. Here we show that a complex consisting of CSB, RNA polymerase I (Pol I), and histone methyltransferase G9a is present at active rRNA genes," scientists in Heidelberg, Germany report. "G9a methylates histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me2) in the pre-rRNA coding region and facilitates the association of heterochromatin protein 1gamma (HP1gamma) with rDNA. Both H3K9 methylation and HP1gamma association require ongoing transcription. Knockdown of CSB prevents the association of Pol I with rDNA, impairs the interaction of G9a with Pol I, and inhibits pre-rRNA synthesis. Likewise, knockdown of G9a leads to decreased levels of H3K9me2 in the transcribed region and downregulation of pre-rRNA synthesis," wrote X. Yuan and colleagues, German Cancer Research Center, Division of Molecular Biology of the Cell. The researchers concluded: "The results reveal the mechanism underlying CSB-mediated activation of rDNA transcription and link G9a-dependent H3K9 methylation to Pol I transcription elongation through chromatin." Yuan and colleagues published their study in Molecular Cell (Activation of RNA polymerase I transcription by cockayne syndrome group B protein and histone methyltransferase G9a. Molecular Cell, 2007;27(4):585-95). For additional information, contact X. Yuan, German Cancer Research Center, Division of Molecular Biology of the Cell II, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. The publisher's contact information for the journal Molecular Cell is: Cell Press, 1100 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. Keywords: Germany, Heidelberg, Cancer Research, Cockayne Syndrome, Enzyme Research, Methyltransferase, Molecular Biology, Neurology, Polymerase. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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