Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
13:03
Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2016
8.7K
The interplay of epigenetic marks during stem cell differentiation and development
Yaser Atlasi1, Hendrik G Stunnenberg1
1Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Nature Reviews. Genetics
|August 15, 2017
Summary
Chromatin dynamics are crucial for cell development and differentiation. Epigenetic modifications allow cells to adapt and retain information without altering DNA sequence, reshaping the transcriptional landscape.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Chromatin serves as the template for epigenetic regulation, undergoing constant reshaping during development and differentiation.
- Epigenetic modifications provide cellular plasticity for responding to cues and maintaining information without DNA sequence changes.
- Mechanisms include chemical modifications, altered chromatin constituents, and 3D structural reconfiguration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dynamic nature of chromatin during cell state transitions.
- To understand how epigenetic modifications influence cellular plasticity and information maintenance.
- To integrate recent findings on epigenome dynamics in embryonic stem cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advanced genome-wide technologies.
- Analyzing epigenetic modifications and chromatin structure.
- Investigating chromatin interactions and 3D organization.
Main Results:
- Genome-wide technologies offer an integrated view of epigenome dynamics.
- Interplay between epigenetic layers reshapes the transcriptional landscape.
- Embryonic stem cell findings highlight dynamic epigenetic regulation.
Conclusions:
- Chromatin's dynamic reshaping is fundamental to early development and differentiation.
- Epigenetic modifications are key to cellular adaptability and memory.
- The interplay of epigenetic layers orchestrates transcriptional changes during cell state transitions.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Maintenance of the ES Cell State
2.8K
The cells of the blastocyst inner cell mass only remain pluripotent for a short time. This state of pluripotency and self-renewal can be maintained in embryonic stem (ES) cell culture by adding specific chemicals or growth factors to ensure the cells can continue dividing and later differentiate into different cell types. In some cases, the cells are grown on a feeder layer of differentiated cells, which provides the growth factors and extracellular matrix components necessary for stem cell...
2.8K
01:32Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
2.2K
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...
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...
2.2K
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
4.0K
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...
4.0K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
34.0K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
34.0K
01:26Stem Cell Niche
6.4K
The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
6.4K
01:21Lineage Commitment
4.5K
Commitment is the process whereby stem cells:
4.5K