EHMT1 protein binds to nuclear factor-κB p50 and represses gene expression

Chee Kwee Ea, Sheng Li Hao, Kok Siong Yeo, David Baltimore

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transcriptional homeostasis relies on the balance between positive and negative regulation of gene transcription. Methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) is commonly correlated with gene repression. Here, we report that a euchromatic H3K9 methyltransferase, EHMT1, functions as a negative regulator in both the NF-κB- and type I interferon-mediated gene induction pathways. EHMT1 catalyzes H3K9 methylation at promoters of NF-κB target genes. Moreover, EHMT1 interacts with p50, and, surprisingly, p50 appears to repress the expression of type I interferon genes and genes activated by type I interferons by recruiting EHMT1 to catalyze H3K9 methylation at their promoter regions. Silencing the expression of EHMT1 by RNA interference enhances expression of a subset NF-κB-regulated genes, augments interferon production, and augments antiviral immunity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)31207-31217
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
Volume287
Issue number37
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 7 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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