Chromatin regulators in mammalian epidermis

One fundamental aspect of biological sciences is to understand how different cell fates are established during development and how cellular identity is maintained in adulthood. The molecular root of these processes is the interaction of chromatin modifications with epigenetic regulators and tissue-specific transcription factors. The concerted activities among them robustly define lineage specification, but also allow a degree of lineage flexibility required for tissue homeostasis and repair. The epidermis is emerging as an ideal model system to characterize the functional roles of epigenetic mechanisms that orchestrate organogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Here we summarize and discuss emerging roles of chromatin and epigenetic complexes in the mammalian epidermis.

► One fundamental aspect of biology is to understand how cell fates are established and maintained.
► The molecular root lies in the interaction of epigenetic regulators and tissue-specific transcription factors.
► The concerted activities among them define lineage specification, but also allow a degree of lineage flexibility required for tissue homeostasis and repair.
► The epidermis is an ideal model system to characterize the functional roles of epigenetic mechanisms that orchestrate organogenesis and adult homeostasis.
► Here we summarize and discuss emerging roles of chromatin and epigenetic complexes in the mammalian epidermis.