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Related Concept Videos

Heterochromatin02:38

Heterochromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions that take up more dye are called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is further classified into two forms – constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin.
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at 9th...
Heterochromatin02:38

Heterochromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions that take up more dye are called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is further classified into two forms – constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin.
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at 9th...
Polytene Chromosomes02:04

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene chromosomes are giant interphase chromosomes with several DNA strands placed side by side. They were discovered in the year 1881 by Balbiani in salivary glands, intestine, muscles, malpighian tubules, and hypoderm of larvae Chironomus plumosus. Hence, these are also called "Salivary gland chromosomes." These are found in insects of the order Diptera and Collembola; in certain organs of mammals; and synergids, antipodes of flowering plants. Polytene chromosomes are also regularly...
Polytene Chromosomes02:04

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene chromosomes are giant interphase chromosomes with several DNA strands placed side by side. They were discovered in the year 1881 by Balbiani in salivary glands, intestine, muscles, malpighian tubules, and hypoderm of larvae Chironomus plumosus. Hence, these are also called "Salivary gland chromosomes." These are found in insects of the order Diptera and Collembola; in certain organs of mammals; and synergids, antipodes of flowering plants. Polytene chromosomes are also regularly...
Euchromatin01:01

Euchromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions take up more dye, appearing darker, while the less-compact areas take up less dye and appear lighter. Based on the compaction level, chromatins are classified into two primary forms – euchromatin and heterochromatin.
Euchromatin is the less dense region of the chromatin and stains lighter. Euchromatin contains histone H3 extensively...
Euchromatin01:01

Euchromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions take up more dye, appearing darker, while the less-compact areas take up less dye and appear lighter. Based on the compaction level, chromatins are classified into two primary forms – euchromatin and heterochromatin.
Euchromatin is the less dense region of the chromatin and stains lighter. Euchromatin contains histone H3 extensively...

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A Method to Study de novo Formation of Chromatin Domains
07:34

A Method to Study de novo Formation of Chromatin Domains

Published on: August 23, 2019

Memories from the polycomb group proteins.

Chiara Lanzuolo1, Valerio Orlando

  • 1Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Epigenetics and Genome Reprogramming, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy.

Annual Review of Genetics
|September 22, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are crucial epigenetic regulators discovered 50 years ago. This review details their complex roles in development, cell identity, and disease, highlighting recent insights into their silencing mechanisms.

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Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Polycomb group (PcG) proteins were first identified in Drosophila melanogaster 50 years ago.
  • Initially known for regulating homeotic gene expression, PcG proteins are now recognized as a sophisticated network of epigenetic regulators.
  • Their functions extend to cell physiology, identity, development, differentiation, reprogramming, and environmental responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multiple modes of action of Polycomb group complexes.
  • To describe the diverse biological roles of PcG proteins.
  • To highlight recent advances in understanding PcG-mediated epigenetic silencing.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current knowledge from published research.
  • It focuses on molecular mechanisms and biological functions of PcG proteins.
  • No new experimental data was generated for this review.

Main Results:

  • PcG proteins form a highly conserved network of epigenetic regulators.
  • They play key roles in regulating developmental genes, cell differentiation, and reprogramming.
  • PcG proteins are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer and other complex diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Recent insights have clarified the molecular mechanisms of PcG-mediated epigenetic silencing.
  • PcG complexes exhibit multiple modes of action.
  • Understanding PcG functions offers new therapeutic avenues for diseases like cancer.