Polycomb group (PcG) proteins play pivotal roles in epigenetic gene control, development, and disease. PcG proteins can control cell cycle progression, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. PcG proteins are thought to silence transcription of target genes through modulation of chromatin structure. Mohd-Sarip et al. uncovered an unanticipated transcription-independent function for the canonical PcG protein PSC (Posterior sex combs) in cell cycle control through its direct regulation of cyclin B destruction.
A. Mohd-Sarip, A. Lagarou, C. M. Doyen, J. A. van der Knaap, Ü. Aslan, K. Bezstarosti, Y. Yassin, H. W. Brock, J. A. A. Demmers, C. P. Verrijzer, Transcription-independent function of Polycomb group protein PSC in cell cycle control. Science 336, 744–747 (2012). [Abstract] [Full Text]