Chromatin architecture reorganization during stem cell differentiation

Higher-order chromatin structure is emerging as an important regulator of gene expression. Although dynamic chromatin structures have been identified in the genome, the full scope of chromatin dynamics during mammalian development and lineage specification remains to be determined. By mapping genome-wide chromatin interactions in human embryonic stem (ES) cells and four human ES-cell-derived lineages, we uncover extensive chromatin reorganization during lineage specification. We observe that although self-associating chromatin domains are stable during differentiation, chromatin interactions both within and between domains change in a striking manner, altering 36% of active and inactive chromosomal…

• CI
  California Institute of Regenerative Medicine
• LI
  Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: ES017166, U01 ES017166