Dipta Sengupta

eLife Assessment This fundamental study provides the first genome-wide characterization of H3K115 acetylation and identifies a striking and previously unappreciated association of this globular-domain histone modification with fragile nucleosomes at CpG island promoters, active enhancers, and CTCF binding sites. While the work is largely descriptive and correlative in nature the evidence is compelling.

Abstract The PRC1 complex regulates developmental gene expression in mammals by ubiquitinating histones (H2AK119ub) and nucleating repressive chromatin interactions. Human genetic data and functional experimentation have demonstrated that H2AK119ub is required for cortical development, however the molecular mechanism for this remains unknown.

Abstract The genetic circuitry that encodes the developmental programme of mammals is regulated by transcription factors and chromatin modifiers. During early gestation, the three embryonic germ layers are established in a process termed gastrulation. The impact of deleterious mutations in chromatin modifiers such as the polycomb proteins manifests during gastrulation, leading to early developmental failure and lethality in mouse models.