A high-resolution analysis of chromatin structure along p53 sequences.
A detailed investigation of how nucleosomes are formed and arranged on the DNA sequence is a prerequisite to understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA-dependent processes such as transcription, replication, DNA repair, and mutagenesis. In this report we analyzed the chromatin structure of exons 5-8 of the p53 gene in human fibroblasts. We mapped at the nucleotide level the positions of DNase I and micrococcal nuclease cleavage sites in permeabilized cells. Areas of clear DNase I protection, which would be indicative of the binding of sequence-specific proteins, were not detected. Instead, the micrococcal nuclease and DNase digestion patterns suggested that this region was covered by nucleosomes and that two areas spanning exons 5 and 6 are occupied preferentially. These nucleosomes could influence DNA damage distribution, repair of certain lesions, and other aspects of the mutagenesis process in p53 sequences.
Tornaletti
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Department of Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA.
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D001483:Base Sequence; D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry*; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I / Q000378:metabolism; D005091:Exons; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D016158:Genes, p53; D006801:Humans; D008836:Micrococcal Nuclease / Q000378:metabolism; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016296:Mutagenesis
D002843:Chromatin; D004247:DNA; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I; D008836:Micrococcal Nuclease