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Related Concept Videos

Histone Variants at the Centromere02:30

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Histone variants are the histone proteins with structural and sequence variations. These variants may be regarded as “mutant” forms that replace their canonical histone counterparts in the nucleosomes. Specific post-translational modifications on the histone variants enable further chromatin complexity and regulate tissue-specific gene expression. The most common histone variants are from histone H2A, H2B, and linker histone H1 families. However, several variants of histone H3...
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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...
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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.
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Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences  access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area. 
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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.
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Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
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Centromeres: genetic input to calibrate an epigenetic feedback loop.

Sebastiaan Jw van den Berg1,2, Lars Et Jansen1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

The EMBO Journal
|September 22, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Centromeres rely on CENP-A nucleosomes for inheritance. A genetic mechanism provides robustness when epigenetic processes fail, ensuring centromere stability.

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Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Centromeres are crucial for chromosome segregation during cell division.
  • They are epigenetic loci epigenetically marked by CENP-A nucleosomes.
  • Centromeric DNA sequence is considered dispensable for centromere function.

Discussion:

  • The study investigates the robustness of centromere inheritance.
  • It explores the interplay between epigenetic mechanisms and genetic factors.
  • The research addresses the paradox of conserved DNA sequences despite epigenetic regulation.

Key Insights:

  • A genetically hardwired mechanism compensates for failures in the epigenetic chromatin cycle.
  • This mechanism ensures the long-term inheritance of centromeres.
  • It highlights a fail-safe system for maintaining centromere identity.

Outlook:

  • Further research could elucidate the specific genetic components involved.
  • Understanding this mechanism could inform strategies for preventing aneuploidy.
  • This provides a new perspective on the stability of epigenetic states.