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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 Position Affects Gene Expression02:35

Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression

Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences  access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area. 
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the timing and level of...
The Nucleosome02:33

The Nucleosome

DNA in a human cell is almost 2m long and it is packed inside a tiny nucleus that is only a few microns in diameter. The level of compaction of DNA inside the nucleus is astonishing. It is organized into several sequentially higher levels of compaction to fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called histone core, that consist of 8 histone proteins. This complex...
The Nucleosome01:19

The Nucleosome

Human DNA is almost two meters long. However, it is compressed inside a tiny nucleus measuring only a few microns in diameter. To make this degree of compaction possible, DNA is organized into several sequential levels so that it can fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
In a chromosome, DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called a histone octamer core, which consists of 8 histone proteins. This...
The Nucleosome02:33

The Nucleosome

DNA in a human cell is almost 2m long and it is packed inside a tiny nucleus that is only a few microns in diameter. The level of compaction of DNA inside the nucleus is astonishing. It is organized into several sequentially higher levels of compaction to fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called histone core, that consist of 8 histone proteins. This complex...
The Nucleosome Core Particle01:12

The Nucleosome Core Particle

Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...

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In Situ Nucleosome Assembly for Single-Molecule Correlative Force and Fluorescence Microscopy
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Nucleosome positioning: how is it established, and why does it matter?

Marta Radman-Livaja1, Oliver J Rando

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.

Developmental Biology
|June 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Nucleosome positioning in chromatin packaging is crucial for DNA processes. This review explores how nucleosome positions are set, their impact on gene expression, and links to sequence and gene expression evolution.

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Mapping Absolute DNA Density in Cell Nuclei using Single-molecule Localization Microscopy

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Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

In Situ Nucleosome Assembly for Single-Molecule Correlative Force and Fluorescence Microscopy
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Assembly of Nucleosomal Arrays from Recombinant Core Histones and Nucleosome Positioning DNA
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Assembly of Nucleosomal Arrays from Recombinant Core Histones and Nucleosome Positioning DNA

Published on: September 10, 2013

Mapping Absolute DNA Density in Cell Nuclei using Single-molecule Localization Microscopy
10:57

Mapping Absolute DNA Density in Cell Nuclei using Single-molecule Localization Microscopy

Published on: November 11, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Eukaryotic genome organization into chromatin influences all DNA-related processes.
  • Nucleosome positioning on DNA is a critical regulatory mechanism, as nucleosomes physically block access to DNA sequences.
  • Understanding nucleosome positioning is key to deciphering gene regulation and genome dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on mapping nucleosome positions across diverse organisms.
  • To discuss the mechanisms underlying the establishment of nucleosome positions.
  • To explore the impact of nucleosome positioning on gene expression control and its evolutionary implications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on nucleosome mapping.
  • Analysis of established mechanisms for nucleosome positioning.
  • Synthesis of research on gene expression regulation by nucleosomes.

Main Results:

  • Nucleosome positioning is a fundamental aspect of chromatin structure with broad biological relevance.
  • Established methods allow for the mapping of nucleosome positions in various species.
  • Nucleosome positioning significantly influences gene accessibility and transcriptional regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Nucleosome positioning is a key determinant of DNA accessibility and function.
  • The establishment and maintenance of nucleosome positions are critical for regulating gene expression.
  • Correlations exist between chromatin packaging, DNA sequence evolution, and the evolution of gene expression programs.