Generation of superhelical torsion by ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activities.
ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activities participate in the alteration of chromatin structure during gene regulation. All have DNA- or chromatin-stimulated ATPase activity and many can alter the structure of chromatin; however, the means by which they do this have remained unclear. Here we describe a novel activity for ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activities, the ability to generate unconstrained negative superhelical torsion in DNA and chromatin. We find that the ability to distort DNA is shared by the yeast SWI/SNF complex, Xenopus Mi-2 complex, recombinant ISWI, and recombinant BRG1, suggesting that the generation of superhelical torsion represents a primary biomechanical activity shared by all Snf2p-related ATPase motors. The generation of superhelical torque provides a potent means by which ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activities can manipulate chromatin structure.
Havas
K
K
Division of Gene Regulation, The Wellcome Trust Biocentre, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Flaus
A
A
Phelan
M
M
Kingston
R
R
Wade
P A
PA
Lilley
D M
DM
Owen-Hughes
T
T
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004278:DNA, Superhelical / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D006868:Hydrolysis; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D009707:Nucleosomes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D017412:Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014102:Torsion Abnormality; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014981:Xenopus; D015003:Yeasts
D002843:Chromatin; D004278:DNA, Superhelical; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D009707:Nucleosomes; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D017412:Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear; D014157:Transcription Factors; C089969:snf protein, Drosophila; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate