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Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: July 22, 2008
Chromatin regulation and dynamics in stem cells
David C Klein1, Sarah J Hainer1
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
Abstract:
In eukaryotes, DNA is highly compacted within the nucleus into a structure known as chromatin. Modulation of chromatin structure allows for precise regulation of gene expression, and thereby controls cell fate decisions. Specific chromatin organization is established and preserved by numerous factors to generate desired cellular outcomes. In embryonic stem (ES) cells, chromatin is precisely regulated to preserve their two defining characteristics: self-renewal and pluripotent state. This action is accomplished by a litany of nucleosome remodelers, histone variants, epigenetic marks, and other chromatin regulatory factors. These highly dynamic regulatory factors come together to precisely define a chromatin state that is conducive to ES cell maintenance and development, where dysregulation threatens the survival and fitness of the developing organism.
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