Understanding nucleosome dynamics and their links to gene expression and DNA replication

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2017 Sep;18(9):548-562. doi: 10.1038/nrm.2017.47. Epub 2017 May 24.

Abstract

Advances in genomics technology have provided the means to probe myriad chromatin interactions at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. This has led to a profound understanding of nucleosome organization within the genome, revealing that nucleosomes are highly dynamic. Nucleosome dynamics are governed by a complex interplay of histone composition, histone post-translational modifications, nucleosome occupancy and positioning within chromatin, which are influenced by numerous regulatory factors, including general regulatory factors, chromatin remodellers, chaperones and polymerases. It is now known that these dynamics regulate diverse cellular processes ranging from gene transcription to DNA replication and repair.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • DNA Repair
  • DNA Replication
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Histone Code
  • Humans
  • Nucleosomes / metabolism*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Nucleosomes