Chromatin remodeling

Definition

Chromatin remodeling involves the dynamic modification of chromatin architecture to allow access to condensed genomic DNA. This process is crucial for regulating gene expression, DNA replication, and repair.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chromatin remodeling is essential for facilitating or restricting access to DNA by transcription factors and other proteins.
2. It often involves ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes that reposition nucleosomes.
3. Post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation of histones play a significant role in chromatin remodeling.
4. The SWI/SNF complex is a well-studied example of an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex.
5. Aberrations in chromatin remodeling mechanisms can lead to various diseases, including cancer.

Review Questions

• What are the main types of post-translational modifications involved in chromatin remodeling?
• How do ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes facilitate gene expression?
• Why is chromatin remodeling important for DNA replication and repair?

Related terms

Nucleosome: The basic structural unit of chromatin, consisting of a segment of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

Histone Modification: Covalent post-translational modifications to histone proteins that impact chromatin structure and function.

Epigenetics: The study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence.