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Generation of Genetically Modified Organotypic Skin Cultures Using Devitalized Human Dermis
Published on: December 14, 2015
Nuclear topology, epigenetics, and keratinocyte differentiation
Michael W Hughes1, Wange Lu, Cheng-Ming Chuong
1National Cheng Kung University School of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan. z10110045@email.ncku.edu.tw
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|August 17, 2013
Summary
Epigenetics research shows dynamic nuclear chromatin changes during development and disease. These higher-order chromatin structures, including euchromatin/heterochromatin distribution, are now understood at the genomic level.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epigenetics research has revealed dynamic chromatin interactions within the nucleus.
- These interactions are crucial during key biological processes like development, regeneration, and reprogramming.
- Chromatin dynamics are also implicated in various disease states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the significance of higher-order chromatin organization.
- To understand how topological distribution of euchromatin and heterochromatin impacts nuclear morphology.
- To leverage genomic-level insights into these dynamic nuclear changes.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis techniques.
- Advanced microscopy for nuclear morphology.
- Epigenetic profiling methods.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated dynamic chromatin interactions in the nucleus.
- Correlated higher-order chromatin organization with nuclear morphology changes.
- Provided genomic-level understanding of euchromatin/heterochromatin topological distribution.
Conclusions:
- Recent advances in epigenetics provide new insights into nuclear organization.
- Higher-order chromatin structure plays a key role in development and disease.
- Genomic approaches are essential for studying these complex nuclear dynamics.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming
Nuclear reprogramming is a process of transforming one cell type into an unrelated cell type by epigenetic changes that alter the cell’s original gene expression pattern. Such epigenetic changes force cells to express a different set of genes, which play a significant role in inducing transformation into other cell types. Nuclear reprogramming offers applications in reproductive cloning for livestock propagation and regenerative medicine — developing patient-specific cells for injury repair.
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,...
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
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,...
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...

