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Related Concept Videos

Chromatin Packaging02:21

Chromatin Packaging

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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? 
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...
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Chromosome Structure02:40

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A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
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In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded...
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Duplication of Chromatin Structure02:05

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The process of chromosome duplication during cell division requires genome-wide disruption and re-assembly of chromatin. The chromatin structure must be accurately inherited, reassembled, and maintained in the daughter cells to ensure lineage propagation.
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
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Heterochromatin02:38

Heterochromatin

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The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions that take up more dye are called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is further classified into two forms – constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin.
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at...
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Polytene chromosomes are giant interphase chromosomes with several DNA strands placed side by side. They were discovered in the year 1881 by Balbiani in salivary glands, intestine, muscles, malpighian tubules, and hypoderm of larvae Chironomus plumosus. Hence, these are also called "Salivary gland chromosomes." These are found in insects of the order Diptera and Collembola; in certain organs of mammals; and synergids, antipodes of flowering plants. Polytene chromosomes are also...
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Deciphering High-Resolution 3D Chromatin Organization via Capture Hi-C
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Columnar structure of human telomeric chromatin.

Aghil Soman1, Sook Yi Wong1,2, Nikolay Korolev1

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.

Nature
|September 14, 2022
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Summary

Researchers uncovered the molecular structure of telomeric chromatin, revealing a compact, columnar arrangement of nucleosomes. This unique conformation influences DNA accessibility, impacting telomere maintenance and the response to DNA damage.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Telomeres, the protective ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, are crucial in aging and cancer.
  • Telomeres are frequent targets of DNA damage and the DNA damage response.
  • The molecular-level structure of telomeric chromatin remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular structure of telomeric chromatin fibers.
  • To understand the structural basis of telomere function and regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Negative stain electron microscopy
  • Single-molecule magnetic tweezers
  • Cryogenic electron microscopy

Main Results:

  • Determined the structure of condensed telomeric tetranucleosome and dinucleosome units.
  • Revealed a columnar nucleosome stacking arrangement with a short 132 bp repeat length.
  • Identified stabilization by H2A C-terminal and histone N-terminal tails.
  • Observed an alternative open state exposing histone acidic patches.

Conclusions:

  • The columnar telomeric chromatin structure may predispose telomeres to DNA damage.
  • Structural features suggest mechanisms for protein factor access in telomere maintenance.
  • This provides insights into telomere regulation and its role in aging and cancer.