MacroH2A1 regulates the balance between self-renewal and differentiation commitment in embryonic and adult stem cells

ABSTRACT: One of the most striking epigenetic alterations that occurs at the level of the nucleosome is the complete exchange of the canonical H2A histones for the macroH2A variant. Here, we provide insight in the function of this unique histone variant in embryonic and adult stem cells. Knockdown of macroH2A1 in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells limited their capacity to differentiate but not their self-renewal. The loss of macroH2A1 interfered with the proper activation of differentiation genes, most of which are direct target genes of macroH2A. Additionally, macroH2A1-deficient mES cells displayed incomplete inactivation of pluripotency genes and formed defective embryoid bodies. In vivo, macroH2A1-deficient teratomas contained a massive expansion of malignant, undifferentiated carcinoma tissue. I

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

SUBMITTER: Roberto Malinverni 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-35087 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress