Role of histone modifications in defining chromatin structure and function

Kathy A. Gelato, Wolfgang Fischle*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

109 Scopus citations

Abstract

Chromosomes in eukaryotic cell nuclei are not uniformly organized, but rather contain distinct chromatin elements, with each state having a defined biochemical structure and biological function. These are recognizable by their distinct architectures and molecular components, which can change in response to cellular stimuli or metabolic requirements. Chromatin elements are characterized by the fundamental histone and DNA components, as well as other associated non-histone proteins and factors. Post-translational modifications of histone proteins in particular often correlate with a specific chromatin structure and function. Patterns of histone modifications are implicated as having a role in directing the level of chromatin compaction, as well as playing roles in multiple functional pathways directing the readout of distinct regions of the genome. We review the properties of various chromatin elements and the apparent links of histone modifications with chromatin organization and functional output.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)353-363
Number of pages11
JournalBiological Chemistry
Volume389
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chromatin function
  • Chromatin structure
  • Euchromatin
  • Heterochromatin
  • Post-translational modification
  • Transcriptional regulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Clinical Biochemistry

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