biostudies-literatureLi SHoward Hughes Medical InstituteNIGMS NIH HHS608-20https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC4737185biostudies-literatureUnknown44(2)Transposable elements are found throughout the genomes of all organisms. Repressive marks such as DNA methylation and histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation silence these elements and maintain genome integrity. However, how silencing mechanisms are themselves regulated to avoid the silencing of genes remains unclear. Here, an anti-silencing factor was identified using a forward genetic screen on a reporter line that harbors a LUCIFERASE (LUC) gene driven by a promoter that undergoes DNA methylation. SUVH1, a Su(var)3-9 homolog, was identified as a factor promoting the expression of the LUC gene. Treatment with a cytosine methylation inhibitor completely suppressed the LUC expression defects of suvh1, indicating that SUVH1 is dispensable for LUC expression in the absence of DNA methylation.Nucleic acids researchSUVH1, a Su(var)3-9 family member, promotes the expression of genes targeted by DNA methylation.PMC4737185GM061146R01 GM061146Li SLiu LGao LKim YJChen XZhao YfalseSUVH1, a Su(var)3-9 family member, promotes the expression of genes targeted by DNA methylation.Transposable elements are found throughout the genomes of all organisms. Repressive marks such as DNA methylation and histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation silence these elements and maintain genome integrity. However, how silencing mechanisms are themselves regulated to avoid the silencing of genes remains unclear. Here, an anti-silencing factor was identified using a forward genetic screen on a reporter line that harbors a LUCIFERASE (LUC) gene driven by a promoter that undergoes DNA methylation. SUVH1, a Su(var)3-9 homolog, was identified as a factor promoting the expression of the LUC gene. Treatment with a cytosine methylation inhibitor completely suppressed the LUC expression defects of suvh1, indicating that SUVH1 is dispensable for LUC expression in the absence of DNA methylation.2016-01-01T00:00:00Z2016 Jan2026-05-05T20:04:31.966Z2019-03-27T02:08:06ZS-EPMC47371852640017010.1093/nar/gkv958