Heterochromatin: A Critical Part of the Genome

Lori L. Wallrath; Michael W. Vitalini; Sarah C. R. Elgin

doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-8624-4_13

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Book chapter

Heterochromatin: A Critical Part of the Genome

Lori L. Wallrath, Michael W. Vitalini and Sarah C. R. Elgin

Fundamentals of Chromatin, pp.529-552

Springer New York

11/01/2013

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8624-4_13

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Abstract

Heterochromatin represents highly condensed portions of the genome that are located near centromeres and telomeres of chromosomes. Once thought to be merely “junk DNA”, heterochromatin is now recognized as an important part of the genome that possesses many functions. Heterochromatin is distinguished from the gene-rich euchromatin by a high concentration of repetitive DNA sequences, including transposons and is marked by specific histone posttranslational modifications and distinct nonhistone chromosomal proteins. Heterochromatin is required for proper chromosome segregation and maintenance of silencing. Loss of heterochromatin leads to the inappropriate activation of genes, including transposable elements, which contribute to genomic instability in diseases such as cancer.

Constitutive Heterochromatin

Heterochromatin Formation

Nuclear Envelope

Pericentric Heterochromatin

Transposable Element

Details

Title: Subtitle: Heterochromatin: A Critical Part of the Genome
Creators: Lori L. Wallrath - University of Iowa
Michael W. Vitalini - Saint Ambrose University
Sarah C. R. Elgin - Washington University in St. Louis
Resource Type: Book chapter
Publication Details: Fundamentals of Chromatin, pp.529-552
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8624-4_13
Publisher: Springer New York; New York, NY
Language: English
Date published: 11/01/2013
Academic Unit: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; University College Courses
Record Identifier: 9984293076402771

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