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Nucleosome Remodeling

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.
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The paradox
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Updated: May 10, 2026

Deciphering Molecular Mechanism of Histone Assembly by DNA Curtain Technique

Deciphering Molecular Mechanism of Histone Assembly by DNA Curtain Technique

Published on: March 9, 2022

Nucleosome dynamics regulates DNA processing.

Nicholas L Adkins¹, Hengyao Niu, Patrick Sung

¹University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

Nature Structural & Molecular Biology

|June 4, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair requires processing by Exo1 or Sgs1-Dna2 pathways. Chromatin structure, particularly nucleosomes, impacts these pathways differently, influencing genome integrity maintenance.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Chromatin Biology

Background:

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) threaten genome integrity.
Homologous recombination is a key repair pathway for DSBs.
Two main resection machineries, Exo1 and Sgs1-Dna2, process DSB ends.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of chromatin structure on DSB resection pathways.
To characterize how nucleosomes affect the activity of Exo1 and Sgs1-Dna2.
To understand the role of histone variants and remodeling in DSB repair.

Main Methods:

In vitro biochemical assays.
In vivo studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Analysis of nucleosome accessibility and histone modifications.

Main Results:

Sgs1-Dna2-dependent resection requires a nucleosome-free gap.
Exo1 resection is impeded by nucleosomes; H2A-H2B dimer removal partially restores activity.
Dynamic H2A.Z incorporation supports Exo1 processing.

Conclusions:

Distinct chromatin remodeling events are necessary for each resection pathway.
Chromatin structure plays a critical regulatory role in DSB repair pathway choice.
Understanding these mechanisms is vital for maintaining genome stability.