A Region of the Human HOXD Cluster that Confers Polycomb-Group Responsiveness

SummaryPolycomb group (PcG) proteins are essential for accurate axial body patterning during embryonic development. PcG-mediated repression is conserved in metazoans and is targeted in Drosophila by Polycomb response elements (PREs). However, targeting sequences in humans have not been described. While analyzing chromatin architecture in the context of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation, we discovered a 1.8kb region between HOXD11 and HOXD12 (D11.12) that is associated with PcG proteins, becomes nuclease hypersensitive, and then shows alteration in nuclease sensitivity as hESCs differentiate. The D11.12 element repressed luciferase expression from a reporter construct and full repression required a highly conserved region and YY1 binding sites. Furthermore, repression was dependent on the PcG proteins BMI1 and EED and a YY1-interacting partner, RYBP. We conclude that D11.12 is a Polycomb-dependent regulatory region with similarities to Drosophila PREs, indicating conservation in the mechanisms that target PcG function in mammals and flies.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (155 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► D11.12 is the first Polycomb Group (PcG) response element identified in human cells
► Located between the HOXD11 and HOXD12 genes, D11.12 is depleted of nucleosomes
► D11.12 confers PcG-dependent repression that is maintained through differentiation
► A conserved region and YY1 binding sites within D11.12 are required for repression