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Related Concept Videos

DNA Packaging00:58

DNA Packaging

Overview
DNA Packaging00:58

DNA Packaging

Overview
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.
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...
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.
What is Gene Expression?01:42

What is Gene Expression?

Overview
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...

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Predicting Gene Silencing Through the Spatiotemporal Control of siRNA Release from Photo-responsive Polymeric Nanocarriers
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Insights into Gene Expression and Packaging from Computer Simulations.

Wilma K Olson1, Nicolas Clauvelin, Andrew V Colasanti

  • 1Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.

Biophysical Reviews
|November 10, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers simulated DNA structures to understand how proteins affect gene function. They found that histone proteins are critical for long-range communication along the genome.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • DNA's physical arrangement within the cell nucleus is crucial for gene regulation.
  • Understanding how DNA is compacted and accessed for genetic processing remains a key challenge.
  • The role of proteins in DNA organization and function requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop novel methodologies for simulating dynamic, three-dimensional DNA structures.
  • To investigate the impact of proteins and their modifications on DNA structure and function.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of long-range communication along chromatin.

Main Methods:

  • Developed computational methodologies to simulate dynamic, three-dimensional structures of protein-decorated DNA.
  • Utilized an a priori approach to analyze the effects of individual proteins and chemical modifications.
  • Simulated communication between regulatory proteins on constructed chromatin stretches.

Main Results:

  • Simulations revealed how proteins influence DNA structure and accessibility.
  • The study quantified enhanced communication on chromatin compared to protein-free DNA.
  • Identified critical roles for histone protein cationic tails in facilitating signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Simulated chromatin states provide insights into DNA, histone, and regulatory protein interactions.
  • These interactions are essential for long-range communication along the genome.
  • The findings advance our understanding of gene regulation and genome organization.