Nucleosome positioning and gene regulation.
Recent genetic and biochemical studies have revealed critical information concerning the role of nucleosomes in eukaryotic gene regulation. Nucleosomes package DNA into a dynamic chromatin structure, and by assuming defined positions in chromatin, influence gene regulation. Nucleosomes can serve as repressors, presumably by blocking access to regulatory elements; consequently, the positions of nucleosomes relative to the location of cis-acting elements are critical. Some genes have a chromatin structure that is "preset," ready for activation, while others require "remodeling" for activation. Nucleosome positioning may be determined by multiple factors, including histone-DNA interactions, boundaries defined by DNA structure or protein binding, and higher-order chromatin structure.
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Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130.
Wallrath
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Elgin
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D001483:Base Sequence; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009707:Nucleosomes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012091:Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D009707:Nucleosomes