Trithorax is an essential regulator of cardiac Hox gene expression and anterior-posterior patterning of the Drosophila embryonic heart tube.

ABSTRACT: The precise regulation of transcription required for embryonic development is partially controlled by the actions of the Trithorax group (TrxG) and Polycomb group (PcG) proteins. The genes trithorax (trx), trithorax-related (trr), and SET domain containing 1 (Set1) encode COMPASS-like histone methyltransferases, a subgroup of TrxG proteins that impart H3K4 methylation modifications onto chromatin in order to activate and maintain transcription. In this study, we identify the role of these genes in the development of the embryonic heart of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. trx, trr, and Set1 independently ensure proper cardiac cell divisions. Additionally, trx regulation of collinear Hox expression is necessary for the anterior-posterior cardiac patterning of the linear heart tube. trx

SUBMITTER: Farmer AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11993250 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature