Regulation of cellular chromatin state: insights from quiescence and differentiation.
The identity and functionality of eukaryotic cells is defined not just by their genomic sequence which remains constant between cell types, but by their gene expression profiles governed by epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic controls maintain and change the chromatin state throughout development, as exemplified by the setting up of cellular memory for the regulation and maintenance of homeotic genes in proliferating progenitors during embryonic development. Higher order chromatin structure in reversibly arrested adult stem cells also involves epigenetic regulation and in this review we highlight common trends governing chromatin states, focusing on quiescence and differentiation during myogenesis. Together, these diverse developmental modules reveal the dynamic nature of chromatin regulation providing fresh insights into the role of epigenetic mechanisms in potentiating development and differentiation.
Srivastava
Surabhi
S
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Hyderabad, India. ssurabhi@ccmb.res.in
Mishra
Rakesh K
RK
Dhawan
Jyotsna
J
D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D048708:Cell Growth Processes / Q000502:physiology; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D024510:Muscle Development / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D016192:Resting Phase, Cell Cycle / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D002843:Chromatin