title: The Epigenetic Pathways to Ribosomal DNA Silencing.
abstract: Heterochromatin is the transcriptionally repressed portion of eukaryotic chromatin that maintains a condensed appearance throughout the cell cycle. At sites of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) heterochromatin, epigenetic states contribute to gene silencing and genome stability, which are required for proper chromosome segregation and a normal life span. Here, we focus on recent advances in the epigenetic regulation of rDNA silencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in mammals, including regulation by several histone modifications and several protein components associated with the inner nuclear membrane within the nucleolus. Finally, we discuss the perturbations of rDNA epigenetic pathways in regulating cellular aging and in causing various types of diseases.
authors.affiliation: Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Rakesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.affiliation: Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Rashmi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.affiliation: Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea hoon320@hanyang.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Seong Hoon
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Ahn
mesh_terms: D000107:Acetylation; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000235:genetics; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000235:genetics; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics*; D020868:Gene Silencing / Q000502:physiology*; D006570:Heterochromatin / Q000378:metabolism*; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism*; D011065:Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases / Q000378:metabolism; D054875:Ubiquitination / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D006570:Heterochromatin; D006657:Histones; D011065:Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases