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Updated: May 2, 2026
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Pack, unpack, bend, twist, pull, push: the physical side of gene expression
1National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France; CNRS UMR7196, Paris, France; INSERM U1154, Paris, France; Nuclear Architecture and Dynamics, CNRS GDR3536, Paris, France.
Molecular motors create physical constraints on DNA. Biophysical methods, like single-molecule micromanipulation, reveal forces and torques, improving gene regulation models by highlighting DNA supercoiling importance.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Molecular motors, including polymerases, impose physical constraints on DNA and chromatin.
- Understanding these forces is crucial for deciphering cellular processes like transcription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of current knowledge on physical constraints on DNA and chromatin.
- To emphasize the role of DNA supercoiling in gene regulation.
Main Methods:
- Single-molecule micromanipulation techniques are used to estimate forces and torques.
- Integration of biophysical approaches with genome-wide and in vivo studies.
Main Results:
- Biophysical approaches enhance understanding of chromatin behavior under physiological constraints.
- DNA supercoiling is identified as a major regulatory parameter.
Conclusions:
- Realistic mechanistic models of transcription require consideration of physical constraints.
- DNA supercoiling plays a critical role in gene regulation.
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