Investigation of the physiological functions of histone modifying enzymes by gene targeting techniques

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25430170
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Genome biology
• Research Institution: Shokei Junior College (2015); University of Miyazaki (2013-2014)
• Principal Investigator: Kikuchi Hidehiko 尚絅大学短期大学部, その他部局等, 教授 (10301384)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): NISHITOH Hideki 宮崎大学, 医学部, 教授 (00332627)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: エピジェネティクス / B細胞分化 / 遺伝子ノックアウト / ヒストンアセチル化 / DT40

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To investigate the physiological roles of histone modifying enzymes, in this study, I examined the effects of deficiency of their genes on various cellular functions using gene targeting techniques in the chicken immature B cell line DT40.
(1) Histone acetyltransferases GCN5 and PCAF participate in B cell differentiation through controlling gene expression of some B cell-specific transfactors in an opposite manner (GCN5: promoting effect, PCAF: inhibitory effect). (2) GCN5 is involved in regulation of prolonged ER stress-induced apoptosis through controlling Bcl-2 gene expression. (3) GCN5 and PCAF take part in transcriptional regulation of the IgM H-chain gene and play key roles in epigenetic regulation of B cell functions.

Free Research Field

生化学