Uncovering Cellular Identity and Chromatin Interaction Changes in Cancer
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered new mechanisms involved in establishing cellular identity, which has potential translational impacts in cancer biology and associated targeted treatments. The research focuses on the workings of Polycomb protein complexes, PRC1 and PRC2, which are studied by Professor Adrian Bracken and his team, based in Trinity's School of Genetics and Microbiology. The team found that PRC2.1 and PRC2.2 recruit different forms of the PRC1 complex to DNA, thereby finally explaining why two versions are needed.