Memory by modification: the influence of chromatin structure on gene expression during vertebrate development.
Multicellular development is programmed by regulated interactions between transcription factors and target genes. Target genes function as nucleosomal arrays whose higher order structure, composition and accessibility to transcription machinery are strictly and dynamically controlled. Several classes of chromatin-associated proteins generate or remove localized, covalent chromatin modifications that signify gene expression status, whereas others modulate nucleosome organization and so regulate template availability for transcription. In vertebrates, covalent modification of the DNA template itself also has dramatic impacts on gene expression and development. Here I review recent discoveries that improve our understanding of the influence of chromatin structure on gene expression and I discuss their relevance to mechanisms of vertebrate development.
Cunliffe
Vincent T
VT
Centre for Developmental Genetics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK. v.t.cunliffe@shef.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism*; D019175:DNA Methylation; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D002843:Chromatin; D014157:Transcription Factors