Structural alteration of the nucleus for the reprogramming of gene expression

The regulation of gene expression is a critical process for establishing and maintaining cellular identity. Gene expression is controlled through a chromatin-based mechanism in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Recent studies suggest that chromatin accessibility and the higher-order structure of chromatin affect transcriptional outcome. This is especially evident when cells change their fate during development and nuclear reprogramming. Furthermore, non-chromosomal contents of the cell nucleus, namely nucleoskeleton proteins, can also affect chromatin and nuclear structures, resulting in transcriptional alterations. Here, we review our current mechanistic understanding about how chromatin and nuclear structures impact transcription in the course of embryonic development, cellular differentiation and nuclear reprogramming, and also discuss unresolved questions that remain to be addressed in the field.

Automated summary

The regulation of gene expression is crucial for cellular identity, controlled through a chromatin mechanism in the nucleus. Recent studies show that chromatin accessibility and high-order structure impact transcriptional outcomes, especially during development and reprogramming. Additionally, non-chromosomal nucleoskeleton proteins in the cell nucleus can also alter transcription through chromatin and nuclear structure interactions, with unresolved questions in the field.