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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 25, 2026

Author Spotlight: Efficient Nucleosome Reconstitution for Single-Molecule Techniques

Author Spotlight: Efficient Nucleosome Reconstitution for Single-Molecule Techniques

Published on: September 6, 2024

Stepwise nucleosome translocation by RSC remodeling complexes.

Bryan T Harada^1,2, William L Hwang^1,2,3, Sebastian Deindl^2,4

¹Graduate Program in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.

|February 20, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The yeast RSC remodeler moves DNA along the nucleosome in small, stepwise motions, without displacing key histone proteins. This suggests ATP-driven DNA translocation is central to chromatin remodeling.

Keywords:

FRET RSC S. cerevisiae SWI/SNF biochemistry biophysics chromatin remodeling single-molecule structural biology

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Chromatin Dynamics

Background:

SWI/SNF-family remodelers are crucial for regulating chromatin structure.
The mechanism by which ATPase activity drives DNA motion across nucleosomes is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the mechanism of nucleosome remodeling by the yeast SWI/SNF remodeler, RSC.
To elucidate how ATP hydrolysis by RSC leads to DNA translocation.

Main Methods:

Single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) was employed.
Mononucleosomes from yeast were used to study RSC remodeling activity.

Main Results:

RSC primarily translocates DNA around the nucleosome, with minimal displacement of the H2A-H2B dimer.
DNA translocation occurs in discrete steps of approximately 1-2 base pairs at entry/exit sites.
DNA movement largely follows its canonical path on the nucleosome.

Conclusions:

Nucleosome remodeling by RSC involves stepwise DNA translocation coupled to ATPase activity.
The findings suggest a direct link between ATPase binding and DNA movement within the nucleosome.