Focus on Epigenetic Dynamics

The dynamic epigenome - p258

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2534

The dynamic nature of functional information present in the genome—such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and chromatin organization—is beginning to be uncovered, along with the relationship between epigenomic patterning and developmental decisions or disease.

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Focus on Epigenetic Dynamics

Regulation of nucleosome dynamics by histone modifications - pp259 - 266

Gabriel E Zentner & Steven Henikoff

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2470

The properties of nucleosomes can be altered in various ways, including by covalent modification of histones. In this Review, the known properties of key histone modifications and the biological processes to which they are linked are examined to place the modifications in the context of nucleosome dynamics—that is, processes in which nucleosomes are translocated, unwrapped, evicted or replaced.

Abstract - Regulation of nucleosome dynamics by histone modifications | Full Text - Regulation of nucleosome dynamics by histone modifications | PDF (1,410 KB) - Regulation of nucleosome dynamics by histone modifications

Focus on Epigenetic Dynamics

Determinants of nucleosome positioning - pp267 - 273

Kevin Struhl & Eran Segal

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2506

Nucleosome positioning is crucial for gene expression and other DNA-related processes. In this Review, the authors consider mechanisms by which the genomic pattern of nucleosome positioning is achieved and conclude that nucleosome positioning is determined by the combined effects of several factors including DNA sequence, DNA-binding proteins, nucleosome remodelers and the transcription machinery.

Abstract - Determinants of nucleosome positioning | Full Text - Determinants of nucleosome positioning | PDF (684 KB) - Determinants of nucleosome positioning

Focus on Epigenetic Dynamics

DNA methylation dynamics in health and disease - pp274 - 281

Yehudit Bergman & Howard Cedar

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2518

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that is erased in the early embryo and then re-established at the time of implantation. In this Review, dynamics of DNA methylation during normal development in vivo are discussed, starting from fertilization through embryogenesis and postnatal growth, as well as abnormal methylation changes that occur in cancer.

Abstract - DNA methylation dynamics in health and disease | Full Text - DNA methylation dynamics in health and disease | PDF (971 KB) - DNA methylation dynamics in health and disease

Focus on Epigenetic Dynamics

Epigenetic programming and reprogramming during development - pp282 - 289

Irene Cantone & Amanda G Fisher

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2489

Global erasure and re-establishment of chromatin-based and DNA-based epigenetic marks occurs naturally in the mammalian life cycle, but it can also be artificially engineered using various reprogramming strategies. In this Review, recent advances in understanding how epigenetic remodeling contributes to cell-fate reprogramming in vivo and in vitro are summarized.

Abstract - Epigenetic programming and reprogramming during development | Full Text - Epigenetic programming and reprogramming during development | PDF (660 KB) - Epigenetic programming and reprogramming during development

Focus on Epigenetic Dynamics

Functional implications of genome topology - pp290 - 299

Giacomo Cavalli & Tom Misteli

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2474

A fundamental property of genomes is their topological organization in three-dimensional space in the cell nucleus. New imaging technologies and genome-wide biochemical approaches combined with functional data are starting to reveal the functional implications of genome topology, as discussed in this Review, and will enable a better understanding of how genome organization influences gene function, and vice versa.

Abstract - Functional implications of genome topology | Full Text - Functional implications of genome topology | PDF (810 KB) - Functional implications of genome topology

Focus on Epigenetic Dynamics

Structure and function of long noncoding RNAs in epigenetic regulation - pp300 - 307

Tim R Mercer & John S Mattick

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2480

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) fulfill a variety of regulatory roles in gene expression, which are dictated by their RNA structure, chemistry and modular domain structure. In this Review, the focus is on the well-characterized ability for lncRNAs to function as epigenetic modulators as part of a broad epigenetic regulatory network.

Abstract - Structure and function of long noncoding RNAs in epigenetic regulation | Full Text - Structure and function of long noncoding RNAs in epigenetic regulation | PDF (810 KB) - Functional implications of genome topology