Tissue-specific Locus Control: Structure and Function

Abstract

All developmental processes involve decisions in which the developmental fate of precursor cells is restricted to a single lineage by establishing a unique gene expression pattern. The activation at each of these gene loci involves restructuring chromatin as a necessary prerequisite for the assembly of the transcription apparatus. Tissue-specific locus activation is controlled by the interplay between sequence-specific transcription factors, chromatin-modifying activities and basic chromatin components.