Biophysics of Chromatin Remodeling

As primary carriers of epigenetic information and gatekeepers of genomic DNA, nucleosomes are essential for proper growth and development of all eukaryotic cells. Although they are intrinsically dynamic, nucleosomes are actively reorganized by ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers. Chromatin remodelers contain helicase-like ATPase motor domains that can translocate along DNA, and a long-standing question in the field is how this activity is used to reposition or slide nucleosomes. In addition to ratcheting along DNA like their helicase ancestors, remodeler ATPases appear to dictate specific alternating geometries of the DNA duplex, providing an unexpected means for moving DNA past the histone core. Emerging evidence supports twist-based mechanisms for ATP-driven repositioning of nucleosomes along DNA. In this review, we discuss core experimental findings and ideas that have shaped the view of how nucleosome sliding may be achieved.

Automated summary

Nucleosomes, as carriers of epigenetic information and gatekeepers of genomic DNA, play a crucial role in the proper growth and development of eukaryotic cells. Chromatin remodelers actively reorganize nucleosomes through ATP-dependent mechanisms, with emerging evidence suggesting twist-based mechanisms for ATP-driven repositioning of nucleosomes along DNA. This review discusses core experimental findings and ideas that have shaped our understanding of how nucleosome sliding may be achieved.