ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Chromatin
;
epigenetic mechanism
;
histone acetylation
;
imprinting
;
nucleosome
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract It is traditionally accepted that the DNA sequence cannot by itself explain all the mechanisms necessary for the development of living beings, especially in eukaryotes. Indeed part of the information used in these processes is stored in other ways, generally called ‘epigenetic’, whose molecular mechanisms are mostly unknown. The ultimate explanation for them might reside in the non-DNA moiety of chromatin which may play an active role in heredity (‘chromatin information’). Histones are the universal structural component of chromatin. However, recent studies strongly suggest that histones, and their modifications — especially the reversible acetylation of lysines — may act as a recognition signal for regulatory proteins and they may participate, for this reason, in gene regulation. This type of information could be maintained through its replication and, ultimately, it could form the molecular basis of certain processes related to the development of the eukaryotic organisms.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01923548
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