Polycomb group genes: keeping stem cell activity in balance

Martin Sauvageau; Guy Sauvageau

doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060113

Polycomb group genes: keeping stem cell activity in balance

PLoS Biol. 2008 Apr 29;6(4):e113. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0060113.

Authors

Martin Sauvageau¹, Guy Sauvageau

Affiliation

¹ Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Abstract

Overexpression of Polycomb group genes is often associated with cancer development, whereas complete deletion results in loss of stem cell activity. New studies show that partial loss of function of Polycomb group genes enhances the activity of blood stem/progenitor cells.

Publication types

Comment
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology
Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism
Humans
Polycomb-Group Proteins
Repressor Proteins / genetics
Repressor Proteins / physiology*
Stem Cells / cytology*
Stem Cells / metabolism

Substances

Polycomb-Group Proteins
Repressor Proteins