RUTHENLAB

Chromatin is the physiologic form of the genome. Rather than mere packaging, chromatin structure appears to serve as the master regulator of underlying DNA function. Local chromatin structure may be stable for decades, yet is sufficiently dynamic to respond to signaling pathways, potentiating transcriptional program changes in development. Indeed, cellular identity and changes thereof are intimately connected to chromatin states-- keeping a neuron a neuron and not a liver cell.

Primary location: Chicago United States