Effects of retinol on chromatin structure

Abstract

The effect of retinol is studied in 3T3 cultured cells. The vitamin induces a decreased rate of cell proliferation and an augmented sensitivity of chromatin to DNase I digestion. Biochemical analyses of chromosomal components establish that the rates of radioactive acetate uptake and turnover on histones are increased leaving unaltered the steady‐state level of histone acetylation. The presence of retinol in the culture medium also causes the disappearance of a protein of Mr 20000, which is co‐extracted with the high‐mobility‐group proteins. The observed changes in chromatin structure and composition are reversible when retinol is removed from the culture medium. Copyright © 1985, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved