Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Generation of Lymph Node-fat Pad Chimeras for the Study of Lymph Node Stromal Cell Origin
Published on: December 16, 2013
The establishment and maintenance of lymphocyte identity through gene silencing
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1662, USA. smale@mednet.ucla.edu
Abstract:
Cell identity is determined by selective gene activation and by the maintenance of other regulated genes in a silent state. Although activation mechanisms have been dissected in considerable depth, great strides towards an understanding of the molecular control of gene silencing have been made only recently. Molecular hallmarks of silent chromatin and proteins involved in its assembly and maintenance have been identified through genetic, cytological and biochemical studies in a variety of organisms. Immunologists are now beginning to use this knowledge to elucidate mechanisms underlying cell fate decisions and key developmental steps. This review surveys the current knowledge of gene silencing, with an emphasis on studies in lymphocytes that are advancing our general understanding of silencing mechanisms during development.
Related Concept Videos
Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
Abnormal Proliferation
Lineage Commitment
Maintenance of the ES Cell State
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

