Histone H3K27me2 Antibody

Biological Role of H3K27me2

H3K27me2 is a repressive histone mark linked to transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) and chromatin condensation. Its deposition is catalyzed by histone methyltransferases such as EHMT1 , and it plays a role in maintaining heterochromatin structure and regulating developmental genes. In Entamoeba histolytica, H3K27me2 is enriched at loci silenced by RNA interference (RNAi), demonstrating its evolutionary conservation in epigenetic regulation .

Applications of the Antibody

The antibody is widely used in:

• Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to map H3K27me2 genomic distribution .

• Western Blotting and Immunofluorescence to validate protein expression and localization .

• Epigenetic Studies to investigate gene silencing mechanisms in cancer and development .

Antibody Characteristics

Mechanism of Action

H3K27me2 is established by EHMT1 in early development and maintained by PRC2 complexes . Its deposition is tightly linked to Polycomb-mediated gene repression. In Arabidopsis, H3K27me2 marks are enriched near transposon-related genes, suggesting a role in genome defense .

Challenges and Considerations

• Cross-Reactivity: Many antibodies show partial binding to H3K27me1 or H3K27me3 , requiring stringent validation.

• Optimization: ChIP protocols often require high salt/sonication to solubilize chromatin-bound proteins .

• Specificity Testing: Western blotting with synthetic peptides (e.g., H3K27me1/me3) is critical to confirm antibody specificity .

Research Findings

• Genomic Distribution: In Arabidopsis, H3K27me2 marks are predominantly found in euchromatic regions, contrasting with H3K27me3’s restriction to heterochromatin .

• Enzymatic Regulation: EHMT1, not EHMT2, is essential for paternal H3K27me2 in mouse zygotes, influencing early embryonic development .

• Disease Implications: Altered H3K27me2 levels correlate with cancer progression and neurodegenerative disorders .