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Related Concept Videos

Epistasis01:39

Epistasis

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In addition to multiple alleles at the same locus influencing traits, numerous genes or alleles at different locations may interact and influence phenotypes in a phenomenon called epistasis. For example, rabbit fur can be black or brown depending on whether the animal is homozygous dominant or heterozygous at a TYRP1 locus. However, if the rabbit is also homozygous recessive at a locus on the tyrosinase gene (TYR), it will have an unshaded coat that appears white, regardless of its TYRP1...
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Pigmentation01:19

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The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
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Epistasis Analysis01:09

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Although Mendel chose seven unrelated traits in peas to study gene segregation, most traits involve multiple gene interactions that create a spectrum of phenotypes. When the interaction of various genes or alleles at different locations influences a phenotype, this is called epistasis. Epistasis often involves one gene masking or interfering with the expression of another (antagonistic epistasis). Epistasis often occurs when different genes are part of the same biochemical pathway. The...
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Position-effect Variegation02:32

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In 1928, a German botanist Emil Heitz observed the moss nuclei with a DNA binding dye. He observed that while some chromatin regions decondense and spread out in the interphase nucleus, others do not. He termed them euchromatin and heterochromatin, respectively. He proposed that the heterochromatin regions reflect a functionally inactive state of the genome. It was later confirmed that heterochromatin is transcriptionally repressed, and euchromatin is transcriptionally active chromatin.
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Epigenetic Regulation01:37

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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.
X-chromosome...
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Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells01:32

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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.
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UV-induced reduction in Polycomb repression promotes epidermal pigmentation.

Meng-Yen Li1, Pooja Flora1, Hong Pu2

  • 1Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.

Developmental Cell
|September 2, 2021
PubMed
Summary

UV radiation reduces Polycomb complex function in epidermal stem cells (EpSCs), increasing melanocytes and skin pigmentation. This study reveals Polycomb

Keywords:
PolycombUVepidermismelanocytepigmentationstem celltype II collagen

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology and Molecular Biology
  • Skin biology and UV radiation response

Background:

  • Epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) protect skin from UV damage through pigmentation via interactions with melanocytes.
  • The molecular mechanisms underlying UV-induced epidermal pigmentation are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the Polycomb complex in UV-induced epidermal pigmentation.
  • To identify molecular regulators of melanogenesis and pigmentation in response to UV exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Polycomb complex function in human and mouse epidermis following UV exposure.
  • Genetic ablation of Polycomb subunits in murine EpSCs.
  • Genome-wide transcriptional and chromatin profiling.
  • Assessment of melanocyte numbers and epidermal pigmentation.

Main Results:

  • UV exposure reduced Polycomb complex function in the epidermis.
  • Genetic depletion of Polycomb subunits in EpSCs led to increased epidermal melanocytes and pigmentation.
  • Polycomb complex regulates UV-responsive genes, including type II collagen (COL2A1).
  • COL2A1 was identified as a critical secreted regulator of melanogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • UV exposure triggers Polycomb-mediated changes in EpSCs.
  • These changes influence melanocyte behavior and promote epidermal pigmentation.
  • The Polycomb complex and COL2A1 are key players in the skin's UV response and pigmentation process.