Chromatin dynamics in regeneration epithelia: lessons from Drosophila imaginal discs

Abstract

During the process of regeneration, a switch in the transcription program occurs in cells that contribute to the reconstruction of the missing tissue. Early signals released upon damage are integrated into the chromatin of responding cells to change its activity and function. Changes in chromatin dynamics result in transcriptional reprogramming, this is the coordinated regulation of expression of a specific subset of genes required for the regeneration process. Here we summarize changes in gene expression and chromatin dynamics that occurs during the process of regeneration of Drosophila imaginal discs.