Defining the chromatin landscape in demyelinating disorders

An intricate network of epigenetic factors regulates cell differentiation by modulating the chromatin structure and ultimately affecting gene expression. This review describes the chromatin landscape defining oligodendrocyte progenitor differentiation during development and remyelination. We shall discuss the current knowledge regarding modifications of chromatin components during the progression of progenitors into myelinating cells and discuss the potential contribution of histone variants, microRNAs, and DNA methylation. We shall also briefly address how changes to this chromatin landscape can disturb this natural progression and alter the capacity to remyelinate.