Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
10:14
Biochemical Assays for Analyzing Activities of ATP-dependent Chromatin Remodeling Enzymes
Published on: October 25, 2014
Multiple modes of chromatin remodeling by Forkhead box proteins
Avin S Lalmansingh1, Sudipan Karmakar, Yetao Jin
1Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|March 13, 2012
Summary
Forkhead box (FOX) proteins are diverse transcriptional regulators. This review explores how FOX proteins, including FOXA, FOXO, and FOXP, remodel chromatin through pioneering, transcription factor, or dual roles to control gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Forkhead box (FOX) proteins are a large family of transcriptional regulators defined by their DNA-binding domain.
- Over 40 FOX genes exist in mammals, sharing DNA-binding similarities but exhibiting diverse regulatory functions.
- FOX proteins can act as pioneer factors, transcription factors, or both, influencing gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of chromatin remodeling by FOX proteins.
- To focus on the distinct roles of FOXA, FOXO, and FOXP sub-classes in chromatin regulation.
- To highlight how structural variations contribute to the diverse functions of FOX proteins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on chromatin remodeling mechanisms.
- Analysis of the functional roles of FOXA, FOXO, and FOXP protein sub-classes.
- Examination of structural motifs influencing FOX protein interactions.
Main Results:
- FOXA proteins act as pioneer factors, enhancing chromatin accessibility.
- FOXP proteins function as classic transcription factors, recruiting chromatin modifiers.
- FOXO proteins exhibit dual roles as pioneer and transcription factors.
- Some FOX proteins may act as 'bookmarking' agents on mitotic chromatin.
Conclusions:
- FOX proteins employ diverse chromatin remodeling strategies, including pioneering and transcription factor activities.
- Structural variations in FOX proteins dictate their specific interactions with histones and coregulators.
- Understanding FOX protein functions is crucial for comprehending gene expression regulation and chromatin dynamics.
Related Concept Videos
02:54Nucleosome 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...
Nucleosome remodeling complex
Eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes called ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling enzymes. These enzymes...
01:32Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
02:25Spreading of Chromatin Modifications
The histone proteins in the nucleosomes are post-translationally modified (PTM) to increase or decrease access to DNA. The commonly observed PTMs are methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination of lysine amino acids in the histone H3 tail region. These histone modifications have specific meaning for the cell. Hence, they are called "histone code". The protein complex involved in histone modification is termed as "reader-writer" complex.
Writers
The writer is an enzyme that can...
Writers
The writer is an enzyme that can...
02:32Histone 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,...
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
02:32Histone 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,...
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
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...