Chromatin features and the epigenetic regulation of pluripotency states in ESCs

Abstract

In pluripotent stem cells, the interplay between signaling cues, epigenetic regulators and transcription factors orchestrates developmental potency. Flexibility in gene expression control is imparted by molecular changes to the nucleosomes, the building block of chromatin. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of chromatin as a plastic and integrative platform to direct gene expression changes in pluripotent stem cells, giving rise to distinct pluripotent states. We will further explore the concept of epigenetic asymmetry, focusing primarily on histone stoichiometry and their associated modifications, that is apparent at both the nucleosome and chromosome-wide levels, and discuss the emerging importance of these asymmetric chromatin configurations in diversifying epigenetic states and their implications for cell fate control. © 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.