Chromatin structure of eukaryotic promoters: a changing perspective.
Over the past few years, many studies have attempted to determine the role of nucleosomes as both positive and negative transcription regulators. The emphasis has mostly centered on chromatin remodeling activities and histone modifications, leaving the question of the influence of the higher-order structure out of the spotlight. Recent technical developments allowing direct measurements of size and mechanical properties of in vivo assembled chromatin may shed light on this poorly understood area. This article presents a brief summary of the current knowledge on transcription-dependent chromatin dynamics and how a rather simple agarose electrophoresis method may change the current view on structural changes linked to transcriptional activation of chromatin.
Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78229-3900, USA. georgel@uthscsa.edu
Philippe T
PT
Georgel
D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D038101:Insulator Elements / Q000502:physiology; D008274:Magnesium / Q000378:metabolism; D009707:Nucleosomes / Q000737:chemistry; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D002843:Chromatin; D009707:Nucleosomes; D014157:Transcription Factors; D012964:Sodium; D008274:Magnesium