Nucleosomes Meet Their Remodeler Match

Over 85% of all genomic DNA in eukaryotes is organized in arrays of nucleosomes, the basic organizational principle of chromatin. The tight interaction of DNA with histones represents a significant barrier for all DNA-dependent machineries. This is in part overcome by enzymes, termed ATP-dependent remodelers, that are recruited to nucleosomes at defined locations and modulate their structure. There are several different classes of remodelers, and all use specific nucleosome features to bind to and alter nucleosomes. This review highlights and summarizes areas of interactions with the nucleosome that allow remodeling to occur.

Automated summary

This article discusses the organization of genomic DNA in eukaryotes as arrays of nucleosomes, highlighting the role of ATP-dependent remodelers in modulating nucleosome structure. These remodelers utilize specific nucleosome features to bind and alter nucleosomes, overcoming the barrier posed by the tight interaction between DNA and histones.