Chromatin is a complex of DNA and histone proteins that regulates gene expression as well as packaging genetic material to fit inside the cell. The proper functioning of chromatin also necessitates a web of interactions between molecular complexes that alter chromatin shape and organization to change DNA accessibility to transcription factors, resulting in the activation or repression of target DNA locus. Chromatin is divided into three types based on its shape and compaction state: euchromatin, heterochromatin, and centromeric chromatin. Heterochromatin is related with gene silencing and is characterized by being less accessible than euchromatin and transcriptionally less active. In the nucleus, heterochromatin separates from euchromatin and is concentrated in the nuclear periphery and regions around the nucleolus (reviewed in 34203193).
Formation, Composition & dynamics (Assembly and disassembly)
Relation to human diseases
Proteome
References
Morrison O, Thakur J. Molecular Complexes at Euchromatin, Heterochromatin and Centromeric Chromatin. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jun 28;22(13):6922. doi: 10.3390/ijms22136922. PMID: 34203193; PMCID: PMC8268097.