Researchers from the Kind Group have gained new insights into the mechanism behind the spatial organization of DNA within the cells of early embryos. When an embryo is first formed after fertilization, each cell has the potential to become any cell type of the body. The researchers have studied the spatial organization of DNA that is so particular to these early developmental stages.
The paper was published in Nature Genetics on September 16th, 2024. Every cell in our body contains the same DNA. This DNA contains the genetic information that serves as a blueprint for making the proteins necessary for the functioning of the cell.
Although all cells have the same DNA, they activate only specific parts of it. As a result, cells develop into different cell types and perform a variety of functions. This is especially relevant during embryo development.
When the embryo is first formed after fertilization, each cell can become any type of cell, including brain cells or even placenta cells. DNA organization in the nucleus DNA is located in the cell nucleus where it is folded into active and inactive compartments. Regions of the DNA that are located at the edge of the cell nucleus are normally more densely packed and inactive.
This spatial DNA organization is important because it determines which parts of DNA are active. This varies per cell type, such as between blood cells and brain cells. In cells with different functions, specific parts of the DNA change their packaging and spatia.