Role of SUMOylation of Satb2 in the regulation of ES cell differentiation, gene expression and higher-order chromatin structure (P04)

This project addresses the mechanisms by which the functional specificity of Satb2, a regulator of higher-order chromatin structure, can be altered by SUMO modification. We have previously shown that Satb2 plays important roles in the regulation of pluripotency of embryonic stem (ES) cells and in the higher-order chromatin structure of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene locus in B cells. Recently, we found that Satb2 is SUMOylated during differentiation of ES cells by the novel SUMO E3 ligase Znf451. In the next funding period we will examine how Znf451-mediated SUMOylation of Satb2 alters the function of Satb2 in regulating ES cell pluripotency.

DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres

Subproject of SFB 746:  Functional Specificity by Coupling and Modification of Proteins

Applicant Institution Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Co-Applicant Institution Max-Planck-Institut für Immunbiologie und Epigenetik

Project Head Professor Dr. Rudolf Grosschedl