biostudies-literatureLima AFCancer Research UKMedical Research Council7210https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5940679biostudies-literatureUnknown8(1)Chromatin structure is a major regulator of transcription and gene expression. Herein we explore the use of osmotic modulation to modify the chromatin structure and reprogram gene expression. In this study we use the extracellular osmotic pressure as a chromatin structure and transcriptional modulator. Hyposmotic modulation promotes chromatin loosening and induces changes in RNA polymerase II (Pol II) activity. The chromatin decondensation opens space for higher amounts of DNA engaged RNA Pol II. Hyposmotic modulation constitutes an alternative route to manipulate cell fate decisions. This technology was tested in model protocols of induced pluripotency and transdifferentiation in cells growing in suspension and adherent to substrates, CD34⁺ umbilical-cord-blood (UCB), fibroblasScientific reportsOsmotic modulation of chromatin impacts on efficiency and kinetics of cell fate modulation.PMC594067913100MC_U137973817MR/M009033/112796MR/N000838/1Diaz-Colunga JPedreiro SPaiva AMay GPires das Neves RLima AFFerreira LEnver TIborra FJfalseOsmotic modulation of chromatin impacts on efficiency and kinetics of cell fate modulation.Chromatin structure is a major regulator of transcription and gene expression. Herein we explore the use of osmotic modulation to modify the chromatin structure and reprogram gene expression. In this study we use the extracellular osmotic pressure as a chromatin structure and transcriptional modulator. Hyposmotic modulation promotes chromatin loosening and induces changes in RNA polymerase II (Pol II) activity. The chromatin decondensation opens space for higher amounts of DNA engaged RNA Pol II. Hyposmotic modulation constitutes an alternative route to manipulate cell fate decisions. This technology was tested in model protocols of induced pluripotency and transdifferentiation in cells growing in suspension and adherent to substrates, CD34⁺ umbilical-cord-blood (UCB), fibroblas2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 May2025-04-05T10:57:46.557Z2019-03-26T23:47:22ZS-EPMC59406792974007810.1038/s41598-018-25517-2