Heterochromatinization associated with cell differentiation as a model to study DNA double strand break induction and repair in the context of higher-order chromatin structure

Journal: APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES 83, 177-185
Authors: Falk, M., Lukasova, E., Stefancikova, L., Baranova, E., Falkova, I., Jezkova, L., Davidkova, M., Bacikova, A., Vachelova, J., Michaelidesova, A., Kozubek, S.
Year: 2014

Abstract

Cell differentiation is associated with extensive gene silencing, heterochromatinization and potentially decreasing need for repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Differentiation stages of blood cells thus represent an excellent model to study DSB induction, repair and misrepair in the context of changing higher-order chromatin structure. We show that immature granulocytes form gamma H2AX and 53BP1 foci, contrary to the mature cells; however, these foci colocalize only rarely and DSB repair is inefficient. Moreover, specific chromatin structure of granulocytes probably influences DSB induction. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.