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The cells of the blastocyst inner cell mass only remain pluripotent for a short time. This state of pluripotency and self-renewal can be maintained in embryonic stem (ES) cell culture by adding specific chemicals or growth factors to ensure the cells can continue dividing and later differentiate into different cell types. In some cases, the cells are grown on a feeder layer of differentiated cells, which provides the growth factors and extracellular matrix components necessary for stem cell...

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X-chromosome...

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Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissues

Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissues

Published on: June 3, 2016

Epigenetic states in stem cells.

Philippe Collas¹

¹Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oslo, Norway. philippe.collas@medisin.uio.no

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta

|November 18, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, regulate gene expression in stem cells. Specific epigenetic marks define the pluripotent state, influencing cell differentiation potential.

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Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Published on: September 20, 2018

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Epigenetics
Developmental Biology

Background:

Embryonic stem cells exhibit pluripotency, differentiating into all cell types, unlike somatic stem cells with restricted potential.
The differentiation capacity of stem cells is linked to their ability to express specific developmental genes.
Epigenetic mechanisms, acting on DNA and chromatin, are increasingly recognized as regulators of this gene expression potential.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize the current understanding of how epigenetic modifications influence the pluripotent state of stem cells.
To explore the role of epigenetic processes in regulating gene expression critical for stem cell differentiation.
To highlight how specific epigenetic marks may define and maintain pluripotency.

Main Methods:

Genome-wide mapping of DNA methylation profiles in stem and differentiated cells.
Analysis of post-translational histone modifications across the genome.
Establishment of chromatin states based on epigenetic marks at gene promoters.

Main Results:

Identification of distinct chromatin states associated with active, repressed, and poised genes.
Demonstration that epigenetic marks are crucial for maintaining the pluripotent state.
Unveiling regulatory mechanisms by which genes are prepared for transcription in undifferentiated cells.

Conclusions:

Specific combinations of epigenetic marks are key determinants of the pluripotent state.
Epigenetic regulation is fundamental to controlling stem cell differentiation potential.
Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms provides insights into stem cell biology and development.