DNA Packaging Plays Critical Role in Cardiac Cell Differentiation
University of Washington researchers uncovered a regulator for cardiac cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells. Led by Sharon Paige, they investigated the genetic controls over the course of differentiation. To do so, the scientists examined how and when chromatin, DNA’s “packaging,” unfurls over time: genes necessary for cardiac cell differentiation are exposed for coding. By examining this chromatin control, the scientists identified new genes that lead to cardiac tissue development.