Nucleosomes and the accessibility problem Journal Article


Authors: Wang, X.; Bai, L.; Bryant, G. O.; Ptashne, M.
Article Title: Nucleosomes and the accessibility problem
Abstract: Eukaryotic DNA is packaged in nucleosomes. How does this sequestration affect the ability of transcription regulators to access their sites? We cite evidence against the idea that nucleosome positioning is determined primarily by the intrinsic propensities of DNA sequences to form nucleosomes - such that, for example, regulatory sites would be 'nucleosome-free'. Instead, studies in yeast show that nucleosome positioning is primarily determined by specific DNA-binding proteins. Where nucleosomes would otherwise compete with regulatory protein binding (a modest but potentially biologically important effect), this obstacle can be relieved by at least two strategies for exposing regulatory sites. In contrast to their lack of effect on nucleosome positioning, DNA sequence differences do directly affect both the efficiencies with which nucleosomes form in regions flanking regulatory sites before induction, and the extent of their removal upon induction. These nucleosomes, evidently, inhibit basal transcription but are poised to be removed quickly upon command. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
Keywords: review; nonhuman; protein binding; eukaryota; dna sequence; yeast; dna binding; regulator protein; sequence analysis, dna; nucleosome; nucleosomes
Journal Title: Trends in Genetics
Volume: 27
Issue: 12
ISSN: 0168-9525
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2011-12-01
Start Page: 487
End Page: 492
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2011.09.001
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 22019336
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 9 December 2011" - "CODEN: TRGEE" - "Source: Scopus"
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  1. Mark Ptashne
    61 Ptashne
  2. Gene Bryant
    14 Bryant
  3. Xin Wang
    8 Wang