Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures03:17

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

6.0K
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...
6.0K
Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells01:32

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

1.5K
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...
1.5K
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

3.4K
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...
3.4K
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

28.7K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
28.7K
Euchromatin01:01

Euchromatin

6.7K
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...
6.7K
Heterochromatin02:38

Heterochromatin

12.0K
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...
12.0K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Epigenetic and oncogenic inhibitors converge to drive a metabolic catastrophe in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

The Journal of clinical investigation·2026
Same author

Acetylation of H3K115 is associated with fragile nucleosomes at CpG island promoters and active regulatory sites.

eLife·2026
Same author

Addressing the specific roles of histone modifications in transcriptional repression.

Nature communications·2025
Same author

Functional dissection of H3K4 methyltransferases reveals distinct catalytic and non-catalytic roles in C. elegans development.

Development (Cambridge, England)·2025
Same author

A needed nomenclature for nucleosomes.

Molecular cell·2025
Same author

Non-canonical PRC1.1 licenses transcriptional response to enable Treg plasticity in immune adaptation.

Molecular cell·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
10:36

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Published on: July 22, 2008

22.2K

Chromatin repressive complexes in stem cells, development, and cancer.

Anne Laugesen1, Kristian Helin1

  • 1Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; The Danish Stem Cell Center (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.

Cell Stem Cell
|June 7, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Polycomb repressive complexes (PRC1, PRC2) and HDAC-containing complexes (NuRD, Sin3, CoREST) maintain cell identity by regulating gene transcription. Therapies targeting these chromatin regulators are being developed for human cancers.

More Related Videos

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

6.1K
CRISPR-Mediated Reorganization of Chromatin Loop Structure
09:20

CRISPR-Mediated Reorganization of Chromatin Loop Structure

Published on: September 14, 2018

14.2K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
10:36

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Published on: July 22, 2008

22.2K
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

6.1K
CRISPR-Mediated Reorganization of Chromatin Loop Structure
09:20

CRISPR-Mediated Reorganization of Chromatin Loop Structure

Published on: September 14, 2018

14.2K

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics and Gene Regulation
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Chromatin environment is crucial for cell identity, transcription patterns, and cellular processes.
  • Chromatin regulators play key roles in development, stem cell maintenance, and differentiation.
  • Aberrant regulation by these complexes is implicated in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of PRC1, PRC2, NuRD, Sin3, and CoREST in stem cells, development, and cancer.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting these repressive complexes in human cancer.
  • To explore the function of repressive complexes in modulating gene activation thresholds and cell fate maintenance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications.
  • Analysis of the roles of specific chromatin-modifying complexes.
  • Discussion of therapeutic development and implications for cancer treatment.

Main Results:

  • PRC1, PRC2, NuRD, Sin3, and CoREST complexes are vital for maintaining cell identity and regulating gene expression.
  • These complexes are involved in normal development and stem cell functions.
  • Dysregulation of these complexes contributes to cancer pathogenesis.
  • Targeting these complexes presents a promising avenue for cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Repressive chromatin complexes are critical for cell fate specification and maintenance.
  • Understanding their roles in development and cancer is essential for therapeutic advancements.
  • Targeting these epigenetic regulators offers potential for novel cancer treatments.