Epigenetic changes in differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells

The molecular mechanisms underlying pluripotency and lineage specification from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are still largely unclear. A great deal of recent research has concentrated on the epigenetic basis of pluripotency of ESCs and studies have also suggested that the differences between various cell types may be due to differences in global epigenetic profiles. Understanding the epigenetic differences between pluripotent cells, such as human ESCs and embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, and their differentiated counterparts may allow further understanding of the role epigenetics plays in development. Epigenetic changes are proposed to play a role in regulating both global and local gene expression through post-translational histone modifications. Chromatin of pluripotent stem cells is globally decondensed and enriched in histone marks associated with active DNA. This study shows the formation of heterochromatin during hESC and EC cell differentiation represented by increased levels of repressive histone marks. However, global transient increase in euchromatin marks was observed during early days of differentiation, suggesting the importance of permissive structure of chromatin necessary for the onset of differentiation.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo