Regulation of the nucleic acid binding of PRC2 by the Polycomblike proteins

Every cell in the body contains the exact same DNA but each cell only uses a proportion of the genes depending on its function. In adults, PRC2 is a molecule which switches off many genes that are only required during embryonic development. Incorrect control of which genes are turned off by PRC2 can lead to cancer. My thesis investigated how PRC2 is targeted to certain genes by its partner protein PHF19. PHF19 causes PRC2 to bind tightly to DNA. This does not depend on the DNA sequence but may depend on the 3D organisation of the DNA in the cell.