Spatial and temporal plasticity of chromatin during programmed DNA-reorganization in Stylonychia macronuclear development.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In this study we exploit the unique genome organization of ciliates to characterize the biological function of histone modification patterns and chromatin plasticity for the processing of specific DNA sequences during a nuclear differentiation process. Ciliates are single-cell eukaryotes containing two morphologically and functionally specialized types of nuclei, the somatic macronucleus and the germline micronucleus. In the course of sexual reproduction a new macronucleus develops from a micronuclear derivative. During this process specific DNA sequences are eliminated from the genome, while sequences that will be transcribed in the mature macronucleus are retained.

Results

We show by immunofluorescence microscopy, Western analyses and chromatin immunoprecipitati

SUBMITTER: Postberg J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2603335 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature