Chromatin-associated DEK proteins maintain H3K27me3 balance and coordinate developmental transitions in plants.

ABSTRACT: Chromatin organization and histone modifications play essential roles in regulating gene expression during development. DEK is a conserved chromatin-associated protein implicated in DNA topology and transcriptional regulation, yet its in vivo function in plants has remained elusive. To uncover DEK function, we used Arabidopsis thaliana dek mutants and performed genome-wide analyses of histone modifications. Genetic and physical interactions with Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2)-associated proteins were examined, and transcriptome comparisons were conducted among single and multiple mutants. Loss of DEK function led to a genome-wide increase in the PRC2-mediated histone modification H3K27me3. DEK genetically and physically interacts with the PRC2-associated protein LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN

SUBMITTER: Nakamura M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12712427 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature