Abstract
Recent advances in high-throughput technologies have transformed methodologies employed to study cell-specific epigenomes and the approaches to investigate complex cellular phenotypes. Application of next-generation sequencing technology in the skeletal muscle differentiation field is rapidly extending our knowledge on how chromatin modifications, transcription factors and chromatin regulators orchestrate gene expression pathways guiding myogenesis. Here, we review recent biological insights gained by the application of next-generation sequencing techniques to decode the epigenetic profile and gene regulatory networks underlying skeletal muscle differentiation.
Highlights
IntroductionIn response to external cues, changes in chromatin involving activation and repression of transcription factors and chromatin regulators (e.g., chromatin-modifying enzymes) underlie commitment of specific cells to defined lineages
During developmental processes, in response to external cues, changes in chromatin involving activation and repression of transcription factors and chromatin regulators underlie commitment of specific cells to defined lineages
Polycomb group (PcG) role in satellite cells is to prevent ectopic differentiation, maintaining quiescence and proliferation states and safeguarding the mis-expression of non-myogenic genes in skeletal muscle cells. Another layer of control in myogenesis and muscle homeostasis is exerted by microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs [23, 24]. miRNAs attenuate transcripts level through translation repression or mRNA degradation
Summary
In response to external cues, changes in chromatin involving activation and repression of transcription factors and chromatin regulators (e.g., chromatin-modifying enzymes) underlie commitment of specific cells to defined lineages. Transcription factors and chromatin modifiers are able to alter the cellular expression program to maintain cell identity even upon removal of the initiating differentiation stimuli [1]. Epigenetic information relies on several elements, such as histone modifications, histone variants, nucleosome accessibility, DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, and nuclear organization. These chromatin states influence access of transcription factors and enzymes to the underlying DNA [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
