Conformational dynamics of the chromatin fiber in solution: determinants, mechanisms, and functions.
Chromatin fibers are dynamic macromolecular assemblages that are intimately involved in nuclear function. This review focuses on recent advances centered on the molecular mechanisms and determinants of chromatin fiber dynamics in solution. Major points of emphasis are the functions of the core histone tail domains, linker histones, and a new class of proteins that assemble supramolecular chromatin structures. The discussion of important structural issues is set against a background of possible functional significance.
Hansen
Jeffrey C
JC
Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7760, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. hansen@uthscsa.edu
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D006657:Histones / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D008956:Models, Chemical; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D002843:Chromatin; D006657:Histones; D004247:DNA