Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) protein ESC regulates insect developmental timing by mediating H3K27me3 and activating prothoracicotropic hormone gene expression

Abstract

Background: PTTH, a key insect neurohormone, regulates development by stimulating ecdysone synthesis and release. Results: PRC2 protein ESC activates PTTH expression by meditating H3K27me3, which depends on methyltransferase activity of PRC2 complex. Conclusion: PRC2 complex regulates insect developmental timing by controlling PTTH expression in the brain. Significance: This is the first report suggesting PRC2 complex as an activator meditating developmental timing in insects. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.