Title
Nucleosome organization and targeting of SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complexes: contributions of the DNA sequence
GSBS Program
Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology
UMMS Affiliation
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Cell Biology
Date
8-24-2007
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Animals; *Base Sequence; *Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; *DNA; Models, Genetic; *Nucleosomes; Osteocalcin; Promoter Regions (Genetics); Transcription Factors; Transcription, Genetic
Disciplines
Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
Chromatin organization within the nuclear compartment is a fundamental mechanism to regulate the expression of eukaryotic genes. During the last decade, a number of nuclear protein complexes with the ability to remodel chromatin and regulate gene transcription have been reported. Among these complexes is the SWI/SNF family, which alters chromatin structure in an ATP-dependent manner. A considerable effort has been made to understand the molecular mechanisms by which SWI/SNF catalyzes nucleosome remodeling. However, limited attention has been dedicated to studying the role of the DNA sequence in this remodeling process. Therefore, in this minireview, we discuss the contribution of nucleosome positioning and nucleosome excluding sequences to the targeting and activity of SWI/SNF complexes. This discussion includes results from our group using the rat osteocalcin gene promoter as a model. Based on these results, we postulate a model for chromatin remodeling and transcriptional activation of this gene in osteoblastic cells.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Biochem Cell Biol. 2007 Aug;85(4):419-25. Link to article on publisher's site