title: Propagation of histone marks and epigenetic memory during normal and interrupted DNA replication.
abstract: Although all nucleated cells within a multicellular organism contain a complete copy of the genome, cell identity relies on the expression of a specific subset of genes. Therefore, when cells divide they must not only copy their genome to their daughters, but also ensure that the pattern of gene expression present before division is restored. While the carrier of this epigenetic memory has been a topic of much research and debate, post-translational modifications of histone proteins have emerged in the vanguard of candidates. In this paper we examine the mechanisms by which histone post-translational modifications are propagated through DNA replication and cell division, and we critically examine the evidence that they can also act as vectors of epigenetic memory. Finally, we consider ways in which epigenetic memory might be disrupted by interfering with the mechanisms of DNA replication.
authors.affiliation: Division of Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK. psarkies@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sarkies
authors.forename: Julian E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Sale
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D004261:DNA Replication; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009707:Nucleosomes / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D006657:Histones; D009707:Nucleosomes