Open chromatin regions

Open chromatin regions are parts of DNA within a cell's nucleus that are less tightly packed and more accessible. Because they are not tightly wound around proteins called histones, they allow genes to be more easily read and activated. These accessible areas are essential for regulating gene activity, enabling cells to turn genes on or off as needed for growth, development, and response to the environment. Think of open chromatin as "digital switches" that control gene expression, making genes available for the cell’s machinery to use.