Bivalent Chromatin Domains and Cell Fate Decisions
Author Information
Author(s): Marco De Gobbi, David Garrick, Magnus Lynch, Douglas Vernimmen, Jim R Hughes, Nicolas Goardon, Sidinh Luc, Karen M Lower, Jacqueline A Sloane-Stanley, Cristina Pina, Shamit Soneji, Raffaele Renella, Tariq Enver, Stephen Taylor, Sten Eirik W Jacobsen, Paresh Vyas, Richard J Gibbons, Douglas R Higgs
Primary Institution: MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford
Hypothesis
The patterns and levels of histone modifications at bivalent genes can vary widely and the criteria for identifying this chromatin signature are poorly defined.
Conclusion
The study suggests that many genes that appear to be bivalent in pluripotent and multipotent cells may simply be stochastically expressed at low levels during multilineage priming.
Supporting Evidence
- Bivalent chromatin modifications can be newly established and/or maintained in differentiating cells.
- The α globin locus is expressed at basal levels in a significant proportion of pluripotent cells.
- Changes in the levels of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 reflect the level of α globin expression during differentiation.
Takeaway
This study looks at how certain genes are marked in cells that can become different types of cells, showing that some genes might not be ready to be turned on as previously thought.
Methodology
The study used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) combined with expression analysis to investigate histone modifications and gene expression.
Limitations
The criteria for identifying bivalent chromatin signatures are poorly defined, and the study primarily focuses on a single gene.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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