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Related Concept Videos

Nucleosome Remodeling02:54

Nucleosome Remodeling

Nucleosomes are the basic units of chromatin compaction. Each nucleosome consists of the DNA bound tightly around a histone core, which makes the DNA inaccessible to DNA binding proteins such as DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase. Hence, the fundamental problem is to ensure access to DNA when appropriate, despite the compact and protective chromatin structure.
Nucleosome remodeling complex
Eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes called ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling enzymes. These enzymes...
Chromatin Packaging02:21

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter? 
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order structures.
Histone Modification02:32

Histone Modification

The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Chromatin Packaging02:21

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter? 
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order structures.
Histone Modification02:32

Histone Modification

The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Chromatin Packaging01:32

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base pairs of DNA. Each base pair is 0.34 nm long, meaning each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. This long DNA strand is packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10-20 microns in diameter with the help of specialized DNA-binding proteins called histones. Together they form a compact DNA-protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin is further compacted into higher-order structures. The highest level of compaction is achieved during...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Reconstitution of Nucleosomes with Differentially Isotope-labeled Sister Histones
09:26

Reconstitution of Nucleosomes with Differentially Isotope-labeled Sister Histones

Published on: March 26, 2017

25 years after the nucleosome model: chromatin modifications.

J Wu1, M Grunstein

  • 1Dept of Biological Chemistry, UCLA School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.

Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|December 16, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Histone tails on nucleosomes are flexible and charged, regulating gene transcription. Modifications like acetylation and methylation control various cellular processes, including DNA repair and cell division.

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Last Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Reconstitution of Nucleosomes with Differentially Isotope-labeled Sister Histones
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A Multilabel Single Molecule Localization Microscopy Protocol for Investigation of Chromatin in the Dense Nuclear Environment
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A Multilabel Single Molecule Localization Microscopy Protocol for Investigation of Chromatin in the Dense Nuclear Environment

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Chromatin Biology

Background:

  • Nucleosomes, the basic units of DNA packaging, play a crucial role in regulating gene expression.
  • The histone tails extending from the nucleosome core are critical for this regulatory function.
  • These tails are subject to various post-translational modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the dynamic role of nucleosomes in transcription.
  • To highlight the importance of histone tail structure and modifications.
  • To understand how histone tail modifications regulate diverse cellular functions.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of histone tail structure and flexibility.
  • Investigating the impact of post-translational modifications (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination).
  • Studying the role of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling.

Main Results:

  • Histone tails are flexible and charged, enabling dynamic interactions.
  • Specific modifications on histone tails directly influence nucleosome function.
  • These modifications regulate transcription, DNA repair, mitosis, and heterochromatin formation.

Conclusions:

  • Nucleosome dynamics, driven by histone tails, are central to transcriptional regulation.
  • Histone tail modifications are key epigenetic mechanisms controlling fundamental cellular processes.
  • Understanding these modifications provides insights into gene regulation and chromatin organization.