Trithorax proteins are a family of epigenetic regulators involved in chromatin remodelling and gene expression. They counteract the repressive actions of Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, ultimately leading to the activation of target genes. The primary function of Trithorax proteins is to activate gene expression by promoting an open/permissive chromatin structure, counteracting the silencing effects of PcG proteins, which maintain genes in a repressed state. Trithorax proteins recruit various chromatin-remodelling complexes and histone-modifying enzymes to target genes. These enzymes modify histones by adding activating marks, such as acetylation and methylation, to histone tails, thereby creating a conducive environment for transcription. For example, Trithorax proteins interact with SWI/SNF (Switch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable) and other chromatin-remodelling complexes. SWI/SNF uses ATP hydrolysis to slide nucleosomes, remove histones, or restructure chromatin, ultimately promoting gene activation. Trithorax proteins are also involved in the deposition of active chromatin marks on histones. These marks signal the transcription machinery to bind and initiate gene expression. Here they can recruit histone acetyltransferases (HATs) to add acetyl groups to histone tails. Acetylation neutralizes the positive charge on histones, reducing their affinity for DNA and leading to a more open chromatin structure that facilitates transcription. Trithorax proteins play a role in the maintenance of gene activation throughout development and cell division. They also help ensure that the active chromatin state is faithfully inherited by daughter cells. They are involved in the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic marks, such as H3K4me3 (trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4), which are associated with active genes. These marks are transmitted to daughter cells during DNA replication, acting to maintain gene expression patterns. Trithorax proteins are critical for the regulation of developmental processes, as they often control the expression of genes involved in cell fate determination, differentiation, and tissue-specific functions. Trithorax proteins can act on developmental genes, including homeobox genes, to establish and maintain their active expression. This regulation ensures that the appropriate genes are turned on or off at the right time and in the right cell types during development. Trithorax proteins counteract the actions of PcG proteins responsible for gene repression. This antagonistic relationship is crucial for the dynamic regulation of gene expression. Trithorax proteins can therefore compete with PcG proteins for binding to the same target genes. Whilst PcG proteins deposit repressive marks (e.g., H3K27me3), Trithorax proteins counteract this by adding activating marks (e.g., H3K4me3). This competition ensures that genes are maintained in an active or repressive state, depending on the balance of these marks. Overall, Trithorax proteins help prevent the aberrant silencing of critical genes that should remain active throughout an organism's life. By continually marking target genes with activating histone modifications, Trithorax proteins ensure that these genes are not inadvertently silenced by PcG proteins or other repressive mechanisms. Thus, Trithorax proteins are key players in chromatin remodelling, actively working to maintain an open chromatin structure and activate gene expression. They recruit chromatin-remodelling complexes, establish active chromatin marks, and counteract PcG-mediated gene repression. We offer a large product catalogue of research reagents for investigating trithorax proteins, including BRG1 antibodies, and WDR5 antibodies. Explore our full trithorax proteins product range below and discover more, for less.