CHROMATIN REMODELLING DYNAMICS IN DEVELOPMENTAL AND STRESS-INDUCED GENE EXPRESSION

Abstract

A key epigenetic process that regulates gene expression is chromatin remodelling, which changes chromatin architecture and modulates DNA accessibility in a dynamic fashion. It is also crucial in regulating transcriptional programs that are fundamental to cellular identity, developmental programs, and adaptations to environmental signals. Chromatin remodeling plays a crucial role in developmental processes, allowing the tissue to precisely regulate the time and space of gene expression that is involved in stem cell differentiation, lineage specification, and the formation of epigenetic memory. In contrast, when the cells are exposed to stressful conditions, such as oxidative stress, heat shock and DNA damage, chromatin structure reorganizes rapidly and reversibly to enable the activation of stress-responsive genes and the preservation of cellular homeostasis. This review gives an in-depth discussion of the molecular processes involved in chromatin remodeling, such as ATP-dependent remodeling complexes, histone modifications, and nucleosome repositioning, and their role in basic signaling pathways, namely WNT, TGF-b, NF-kB and MAPK. Moreover, developmental and stress-induced changes in chromatin dynamics are also considered in detail with the intention to reveal common regulatory patterns and context-specific changes. New developments in multi-omics technologies and computational regulatory models are also covered as having the potential to unlock complicated chromatin-mediated regulatory networks. On the whole, the insights gained into the dynamics of chromatin remodeling provides powerful clues concerning the effective regulation of genes and offers effective prospects in the form of therapeutic intervention in developmental disorders and stress-related illnesses.