Chromatin state dynamics during blood formation

TLDR

DNA shape and accessibility change as cells differentiate during blood development. The study investigates chromatin state dynamics in blood. A technique analyzing a small number of cells was used to identify DNA changes during blood development. Enhancers are open in undifferentiated cells and progressively close as cells mature into their final forms. Lara‑Astiaso et al., Science, this issue p.

Abstract

Opening and closing blood enhancers As cells develop and differentiate into different types, the shape and accessibility of their DNA can change. Lara-Astiaso et al. studied this phenomenon in blood. They developed a technique that examines a relatively small number of cells to identify the changes that affect DNA during blood development. They found that the DNA of noncoding regions, called enhancers, is set in an open position when cells are undifferentiated and able to take on a variety of roles and gradually closes as cells mature into their final forms. Science , this issue p. 943