Dimerization of the Polycomb-group protein Mel-18 is regulated by PKC phosphorylation

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2003 Jan 3;300(1):135-40. doi: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)02791-2.

Abstract

The Polycomb-group (Pc-G) gene products form complexes via protein-protein interactions and maintain the transcriptional repression of genes involved in embryogenesis, cell cycle, and tumorigenesis. Previously, we have shown that mouse Mel-18, a Pc-G protein, has tumor suppressor gene-like activity and negatively regulates transcription. Here, we show in vitro by pull-down assays and in vivo in transiently transfected COS-7 cells that Mel-18 forms homodimers. Deletion analysis revealed that the N-terminal RING-finger and alpha-helix domains are required for homodimer formation. In addition, we demonstrated that Mel-18 homo-dimerization is regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) and protein phosphatases, such that dephosphorylated Mel-18 is able to homo-dimerize. These results suggest that the stoichiometry and/or equilibrium of subunits of the class II Polycomb complex containing Mel-18 might be regulated by changes in phosphorylation status via the PKC signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Dimerization
  • Mice
  • Phosphorylation
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1
  • Protein Kinase C / metabolism*
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Subunits
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transfection
  • Zinc Fingers

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Pcgf6 protein, mouse
  • Protein Subunits
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1
  • Protein Kinase C