Maintenance of the patterns of expression of homeotic genes in the development of Drosophila melanogaster by proteins of the polycomb, trithorax, and ETP groups

Abstract

Proteins encoded by genes of the groups Polycomb (PcG), trithorax (trxG), and the Enhancer of Trithorax and Polycomb Group (ETP) are important regulators of expression of most developmental genes. Data concerning all currently described genes assigned to these groups are summarized in the review. Genetic interactions of these genes and phenotypical manifestation of their mutations are described. Data on the PcG, trxG, and ETP proteins are systemized. Questions are considered concerning the formation of multimeric complexes containing proteins of these groups, recruitment of these complexes to regulatory elements of target genes, and the mechanisms of activation/repression of gene expression.