Links of genome replication, transcriptional silencing and chromatin dynamics.
Genome replication in multicellular organisms involves duplication of both the genetic material and the epigenetic information stored in DNA and histones. In some cases, the DNA replication process provides a window of opportunity for resetting chromatin marks in the genome of the future daughter cells instead of transferring them identical copies. This crucial step of genome replication depends on the correct function of DNA replication factors and the coordination between replication and transcription in proliferating cells. In fact, the histone composition and modification status appears to be intimately associated with the proliferation potential of cells within developing organs. Here we discuss these topics in the light of recent advances in our understanding of how genome replication, transcriptional silencing and chromatin dynamics are coordinated in proliferating cells.
Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Nicolas Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: cgutierrez@cbm.csic.es.
Crisanto
C
Gutierrez
Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Nicolas Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
Bénédicte
B
Desvoyes
Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Nicolas Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
Zaida
Z
Vergara
Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Nicolas Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
Sofía
S
Otero
Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Nicolas Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
Joana
J
Sequeira-Mendes
D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D018745:Genome, Plant / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000235:genetics
D002843:Chromatin