Saraiva NZ, Oliveira CS, Garcia JM. Histone acetylation and its role in embryonic stem cell differentiation. World J Stem Cells 2010; 2(6): 121-126 [PMID: 21607129 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v2.i6.121]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Naiara Z Saraiva, DVM, MSc PhD, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, FCAV-Sao Paulo State University, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, Brazil. naiaravet@hotmail.com
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Editorial
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World J Stem Cells. Dec 26, 2010; 2(6): 121-126 Published online Dec 26, 2010. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v2.i6.121
Histone acetylation and its role in embryonic stem cell differentiation
Naiara Z Saraiva, Clara S Oliveira, Joaquim M Garcia
Naiara Z Saraiva, Clara S Oliveira, Joaquim M Garcia, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, FCAV-Sao Paulo State University, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, Brazil
Author contributions: Saraiva NZ and Oliveira CS contributed equally to this paper and are considered co-first authors; Oliveira CS and Garcia JM designed the research; Saraiva NZ and Oliveira CS performed analysis interpretation of data and drafted the article; Garcia JM approved the version to be published.
Supported by Foundation for Research Support of the State of Sao Paulo (FAPESP)
Correspondence to: Naiara Z Saraiva, DVM, MSc PhD, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, FCAV-Sao Paulo State University, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, Brazil. naiaravet@hotmail.com
Telephone: +55-17-32162972 Fax: +55-17-32139457
Received: May 26, 2010 Revised: October 4, 2010 Accepted: October 11, 2010 Published online: December 26, 2010
Abstract
The understanding of mechanisms leading to cellular differentiation is the main aim of numerous studies. Accessibility of DNA to transcription factors depends on local chromatin structure and chromatin compaction inhibits gene transcription. Histone acetylation correlates with an open chromatin structure and increased gene expression. Gene transcription levels are changed in early embryonic stem cells differentiation in a tissue-specific manner and epigenetic marks are modified, including increased global acetylation levels. Manipulation of histone deacetylases activity might be an interesting tool to generate populations of specific cell types for transplantation purposes. Thus, this review aims to show recent findings on histone acetylation, a post translational modification and its manipulation in embryonic stem cells differentiation.
