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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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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? 
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Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging
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Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging

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Nucleosome unwrapping and unstacking.

Hidetoshi Kono1, Hisashi Ishida1

  • 1Molecular Modelling and Simulation (MMS) Group, Institute for Quantum Life Sciences (iQLS), National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0215, Japan.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology
|August 2, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review explores nucleosome dynamics, focusing on DNA accessibility. Understanding nucleosome unwrapping and sliding is crucial for regulating DNA processes like transcription and replication.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • The eukaryotic genome is highly organized within chromatin, primarily in nucleosomes.
  • Nucleosomes, composed of DNA and histone proteins, shield approximately 75% of the human genome.
  • Access to DNA within nucleosomes is essential for vital cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of nucleosome dynamics.
  • To focus on the unwrapping of mononucleosomes and internucleosomal interactions.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of DNA accessibility regulation.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes existing research on nucleosome dynamics.
  • Focuses on theoretical and experimental studies of nucleosome unwrapping, sliding, and unstacking.
  • Examines internucleosomal interactions and their impact on DNA accessibility.

Main Results:

  • Nucleosome structural fluctuations allow transient DNA access for regulatory proteins.
  • Full DNA access requires nucleosome unwrapping, sliding, and unstacking.
  • Internucleosomal interactions significantly influence DNA accessibility and chromatin structure.

Conclusions:

  • Nucleosome dynamics, particularly unwrapping and sliding, are critical for regulating DNA access.
  • Further research into these dynamic processes will enhance our understanding of genome regulation.
  • Understanding nucleosome dynamics is key to comprehending transcription, replication, and repair.