Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
11:58
In-Nucleus Hi-C in Drosophila Cells
Published on: September 15, 2021
Structural biology of the chromodomain: form and function
1Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Doisy Research Center, St. Louis, MO 63104-1079, USA. eissenjc@slu.edu
Gene
|January 31, 2012
Summary
Chromodomains are protein structures found in eukaryotes that interact with DNA and other proteins. Lysine methylation regulates their binding affinity, directing them to specific chromatin sites.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Chromatin Biology
- Protein Structure
Background:
- The chromodomain is a conserved protein motif present in various eukaryotic chromosomal proteins.
- This motif features a specific fold comprising three beta strands and a C-terminal alpha helix.
- Chromodomains play crucial roles in mediating interactions between proteins and/or proteins and nucleic acids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of chromodomain structure.
- To review the known functions of chromodomains in cellular processes.
- To highlight the regulatory role of lysine methylation on chromodomain binding.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing research on chromodomain structure and function.
- Literature analysis of studies investigating chromodomain-protein and chromodomain-nucleic acid interactions.
- Examination of data on lysine methylation as a regulatory mechanism for chromodomain binding.
Main Results:
- The chromodomain fold facilitates critical protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions.
- Lysine methylation emerges as a key regulator, modulating the affinity of chromodomain binding.
- This methylation-dependent regulation appears to guide chromodomain proteins to specific chromatin locations.
Conclusions:
- Chromodomains are essential for chromatin organization and regulation.
- Lysine methylation is a significant post-translational modification controlling chromodomain targeting and function.
- Further research into chromodomain biology can elucidate fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation.
Related Concept Videos
02:26Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins
Protein domains are small structurally independent units that are part of a single amino acid chain. Although these domains are often structurally independent, they may rely on synergistic effects to perform their functions as part of a larger protein. Protein domains may be conserved within the same organism, as well as across different organisms.
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...
02:21Chromatin 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.
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.
01:32Chromatin 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...
02:21Chromatin 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.
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.
01:49Conserved Binding Sites
Many proteins’ biological role depends on their interactions with their ligands, small molecules that bind to specific locations on the protein known as ligand-binding sites. Ligand-binding sites are often conserved among homologous proteins as these sites are critical for protein function.
Binding sites are often located in large pockets, and if their location on a protein’s surface is unknown, it can be predicted using various approaches. The energetic method computationally analyses the...
Binding sites are often located in large pockets, and if their location on a protein’s surface is unknown, it can be predicted using various approaches. The energetic method computationally analyses the...
02:05Duplication of Chromatin Structure
The process of chromosome duplication during cell division requires genome-wide disruption and re-assembly of chromatin. The chromatin structure must be accurately inherited, reassembled, and maintained in the daughter cells to ensure lineage propagation.
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...