Histone modification patterns and epigenetic codes.
The eukaryotic DNA is wrapped around histone octamers, which consist of four different histones, H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. The N-terminal tail of each histone is post-transcriptionally modified. The modification patterns constitute codes that regulate chromatin organisation and DNA utilization processes, including transcription. Recent progress in technology development has made it possible to perform systematic genome-wide studies of histone modifications. This helps immensely in deciphering the histone codes and their biological influence. In this review, we discuss the histone modification patterns found in genome-wide studies in different biological models and how they influence cell differentiation and carcinogenesis.
Lennartsson
Andreas
A
Department of Biosciences and Medical Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden.
Ekwall
Karl
K
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology
D006657:Histones