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Related Concept Videos

Mutations01:35

Mutations

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Mutations are changes in the sequence of DNA. These changes can occur spontaneously or they can be induced by exposure to environmental factors. Mutations can be characterized in a number of different ways: whether and how they alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, whether they occur over a small or large area of DNA, and whether they occur in somatic cells or germline cells.
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Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

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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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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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DNA Distortion and Damage
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
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Histone Modification02:32

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The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
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Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
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Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
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Epigenetic fun(ction) in the sun.

Megan He1, Brian Raftrey2, Ya-Chieh Hsu2

  • 1Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

Developmental Cell
|September 28, 2021
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The Polycomb complex is crucial for skin cells to increase pigmentation in response to UV radiation. This chromatin regulator plays a key role in tanning and protecting against UV damage.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Dermatology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Increased epidermal pigmentation, or tanning, is a protective response against ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage.
  • Epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) are critical for skin homeostasis and repair.
  • The molecular mechanisms underlying UV-induced tanning are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of chromatin regulators in mediating UV-induced tanning responses.
  • To identify key factors in epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) that regulate pigmentation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized genetic and molecular biology techniques.
  • Investigated the function of the Polycomb complex in EpSCs.
  • Analyzed UV-induced tanning and pigmentation changes.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated a key role for the Polycomb complex in UV-induced tanning.
  • Showed that the Polycomb complex regulates epidermal pigmentation in response to UV radiation.
  • Identified specific mechanisms by which the Polycomb complex influences EpSCs' response to UV.

Conclusions:

  • The Polycomb complex is a critical mediator of UV-induced tanning and epidermal pigmentation.
  • Targeting chromatin regulators like the Polycomb complex may offer new strategies for managing UV-related skin responses.