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Related Concept Videos

Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression02:35

Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression

Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences  access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area. 
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the timing and level of...
Duplication of Chromatin Structure02:05

Duplication of Chromatin Structure

The process of chromosome duplication during cell division requires genome-wide disruption and re-assembly of chromatin. The chromatin structure must be accurately inherited, reassembled, and maintained in the daughter cells to ensure lineage propagation.
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
Chromatin Packaging02:21

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter? 
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order structures.
Chromatin Packaging01:32

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base pairs of DNA. Each base pair is 0.34 nm long, meaning each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. This long DNA strand is packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10-20 microns in diameter with the help of specialized DNA-binding proteins called histones. Together they form a compact DNA-protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin is further compacted into higher-order structures. The highest level of compaction is achieved during...
Chromatin Packaging02:21

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter? 
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order structures.
Inheritance of Chromatin Structures03:17

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying DNA...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

CRISPR-Mediated Reorganization of Chromatin Loop Structure
09:20

CRISPR-Mediated Reorganization of Chromatin Loop Structure

Published on: September 14, 2018

Do chromatin loops provide epigenetic gene expression states?

Wulan Deng1, Gerd A Blobel

  • 1Department of Biology, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|July 6, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Chromatin loops, which physically connect distant regulatory elements, may maintain gene expression states. This higher-order chromatin organization could provide epigenetic memory, influencing future gene activity.

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Chromatin Interaction Analysis with Paired-End Tag Sequencing (ChIA-PET) for Mapping Chromatin Interactions and Understanding Transcription Regulation
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Chromatin Interaction Analysis with Paired-End Tag Sequencing (ChIA-PET) for Mapping Chromatin Interactions and Understanding Transcription Regulation

Published on: April 30, 2012

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
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Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 11, 2026

CRISPR-Mediated Reorganization of Chromatin Loop Structure
09:20

CRISPR-Mediated Reorganization of Chromatin Loop Structure

Published on: September 14, 2018

Chromatin Interaction Analysis with Paired-End Tag Sequencing (ChIA-PET) for Mapping Chromatin Interactions and Understanding Transcription Regulation
21:55

Chromatin Interaction Analysis with Paired-End Tag Sequencing (ChIA-PET) for Mapping Chromatin Interactions and Understanding Transcription Regulation

Published on: April 30, 2012

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
10:28

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Published on: September 20, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Gene expression is regulated by multiple elements, some acting over large genomic distances.
  • Chromatin fiber looping facilitates physical interactions between these regulatory elements.
  • The role of higher-order chromatin organization, like looping, in epigenetic memory is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether chromatin looping contributes to epigenetic memory.
  • To determine if chromatin loops cause or result from transcriptional regulation.
  • To explore the function of higher-order chromatin folding in maintaining gene expression states.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of chromatin interactions in diverse organisms.
  • Investigating the relationship between chromatin looping and gene expression states.
  • Studying the dynamics of chromatin folding and epigenetic modifications.

Main Results:

  • Recent studies suggest long-range chromatin interactions have a memory function.
  • Evidence indicates higher-order chromatin folding can maintain active and repressed gene expression states.
  • Findings imply chromatin loops play a role in epigenetic information transfer.

Conclusions:

  • Higher-order chromatin folding, including looping, likely contributes to epigenetic memory.
  • Chromatin loops may serve to maintain established patterns of gene expression.
  • Understanding chromatin organization is crucial for deciphering epigenetic regulation.