Kinases and chromatin structure

Abstract

Chromatin structure is regulated by families of proteins that are able to covalently modify the histones and the DNA, as well as to regulate the spacing of nucleosomes along the DNA. Over the years, these chromatin remodeling factors have been proven to be essential to a variety of processes, including gene expression, DNA replication, and chromosome cohesion. The function of these remodeling factors is regulated by a number of chemical and developmental signals and, in turn, changes in the chromatin structure eventually contribute to the response to changes in the cellular environment. Exciting new research findings by the laboratories of Sharon Dent and Steve Jackson indicate, in two different contexts, that changes in the chromatin structure may, in reverse, signal to intracellular signaling pathways to regulate cell fate. The discoveries clearly challenge our traditional view of ‘epigenetics’, and may have important implications in human health.

Keywords: :

• chromatin
• signaling pathways
• histone tails
• DNA damage
• Jun N-terminal kinase

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Acknowledgments

B.M. is supported by a grant from Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer (Comité de Paris; LNCC OTP 33965) and by a grant from European Commission (Marie Curie Re-integration grant IRG 268448/EPIX).