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Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...

Duplication of Chromatin Structure

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 Packaging

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 Packaging

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 Packaging

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.

Histone Modification

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,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Getting an A with the 3Cs: Chromosome Conformation Capture for Undergraduates

Getting an A with the 3Cs: Chromosome Conformation Capture for Undergraduates

Published on: May 12, 2023

Concise review: chromatin and genome organization in reprogramming.

Alva Biran¹, Eran Meshorer

¹Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.

Stem Cells (Dayton, Ohio)

|July 12, 2012

Summary

Reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotency involves significant chromatin changes. Understanding these epigenetic alterations is key to improving reprogramming efficiency for regenerative medicine.

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A Method to Study de novo Formation of Chromatin Domains

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Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Getting an A with the 3Cs: Chromosome Conformation Capture for Undergraduates

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A Method to Study de novo Formation of Chromatin Domains

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CRISPR-Mediated Reorganization of Chromatin Loop Structure

CRISPR-Mediated Reorganization of Chromatin Loop Structure

Published on: September 14, 2018

Area of Science:

Cell biology
Epigenetics
Developmental biology

Background:

Somatic cell reprogramming to pluripotency offers regenerative medicine potential but remains inefficient.
Understanding reprogramming mechanisms is crucial for enhancing efficiency and regulation.
Chromatin and genome organization play a vital role in this process.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of chromatin and genome organization in somatic cell reprogramming.
To describe global and local chromatin changes during reprogramming.
To identify regulatory proteins involved in chromatin remodeling.

Main Methods:

Analysis of global chromatin decondensation.
Investigation of local chromatin reorganization.
Identification of proteins regulating histone modifications, variants, chromatin remodeling, and DNA methylation.

Main Results:

Global chromatin decondensation towards an open state occurs.
Local chromatin reorganization silences lineage-specific genes and activates pluripotency genes.
Multiple layers of chromatin regulation, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, are involved.

Conclusions:

Chromatin and genome organization are actively regulated during the transition to pluripotency.
These organizational changes are critical for successful somatic cell reprogramming.
Further research into these mechanisms can improve reprogramming efficiency.