Single Molecule Studies of Chromatin

Jeans, C ; Thelen, M P ; Noy, A

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

关键词: Fine Structure;    Chromatin;    Sample Preparation;    Dna;    Enzymes;   

DOI  :  10.2172/877892
RP-ID  :  UCRL-TR-218932
RP-ID  :  W-7405-ENG-48
RP-ID  :  877892

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

In eukaryotic cells, DNA is packaged as chromatin, a highly ordered structure formed through the wrapping of the DNA around histone proteins, and further packed through interactions with a number of other proteins. In order for processes such as DNA replication, DNA repair, and transcription to occur, the structure of chromatin must be remodeled such that the necessary enzymes can access the DNA. A number of remodeling enzymes have been described, but our understanding of the remodeling process is hindered by a lack of knowledge of the fine structure of chromatin, and how this structure is modulated in the living cell. We have carried out single molecule experiments using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the packaging arrangements in chromatin from a variety of cell types. Comparison of the structures observed reveals differences which can be explained in terms of the cell type and its transcriptional activity. During the course of this project, sample preparation and AFM techniques were developed and optimized. Several opportunities for follow-up work are outlined which could provide further insight into the dynamic structural rearrangements of chromatin.