Abstract
A large fraction of genes in the mammalian genome is repressed in every cell throughout development. Here, we propose that this long-term silencing is carried out by distinct molecular mechanisms that operate in a global manner and, once established, can be maintained autonomously through DNA replication. Both individually and in combination these mechanisms bring about repression, mainly by lowering gene accessibility through closed chromatin structures.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 648-654 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Nature Reviews Genetics |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2005 |