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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Histone Modification02:32

Histone Modification

The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Histone Modification02:32

Histone Modification

The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Additional Subnuclear Structures02:10

Additional Subnuclear Structures

The eukaryotic nucleus is a double membrane-bound organelle that contains nearly all of the cell’s genetic material in the form of chromosomes. It is rightly called the “brain” of the cell as it shoulders the responsibility of responding to various physiological processes, stress, altered metabolic conditions, and other cellular signals. 
The nucleus contains many membrane-less subnuclear organelles or nuclear bodies, such as nucleoli, Cajal bodies, speckles, paraspeckles, etc. These nuclear...
The Nucleosome02:33

The Nucleosome

DNA in a human cell is almost 2m long and it is packed inside a tiny nucleus that is only a few microns in diameter. The level of compaction of DNA inside the nucleus is astonishing. It is organized into several sequentially higher levels of compaction to fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called histone core, that consist of 8 histone proteins. This complex...

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3D Multicolor DNA FISH Tool to Study Nuclear Architecture in Human Primary Cells
11:25

3D Multicolor DNA FISH Tool to Study Nuclear Architecture in Human Primary Cells

Published on: January 25, 2020

Spatial epigenetics: linking nuclear structure and function in higher eukaryotes.

Dean A Jackson1

  • 1University of Manchester, Faculty of Life Sciences, 131 Princess St, Manchester M17DN, UK. dean.jackson@manchester.ac.uk

Essays in Biochemistry
|September 9, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Spatial epigenetics regulates gene expression by linking DNA structure and nuclear architecture. This process modulates genetic information, ensuring proper cell function and tissue development in higher eukaryotes.

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Last Updated: Jun 9, 2026

3D Multicolor DNA FISH Tool to Study Nuclear Architecture in Human Primary Cells
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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Eukaryotic cells store genetic information in DNA, which is transcribed into RNA and translated into protein.
  • Gene expression must be regulated to allow different cell types to perform specific functions.
  • Mechanisms regulating DNA interaction with nuclear sites control gene expression in higher eukaryotes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate how nuclear structure and chromatin dynamics reveal spatial mechanisms linking chromatin structure and function.
  • To define the concept of 'spatial epigenetics'.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current understanding of nuclear architecture and chromatin dynamics.
  • Analysis of spatial mechanisms modulating DNA and gene expression.

Main Results:

  • Detailed understanding of nuclear structure and chromatin dynamics is emerging.
  • Spatial mechanisms are shown to link chromatin structure and function.
  • These mechanisms modulate genetic information within DNA.

Conclusions:

  • The regulation of chromatin function by nuclear architecture defines 'spatial epigenetics'.
  • Spatial epigenetics represents a key layer of gene expression regulation in higher eukaryotes.