Insights in bacterial genome folding

Chromosomes in all domains of life are well-defined structural entities with complex hierarchical organization. The regulation of this hierarchical organization and its functional interplay with gene expression or other chromosome metabolic processes such as repair, replication, or segregation is actively investigated in a variety of species, including prokaryotes. Bacterial chromosomes are typically gene-dense with few non-coding sequences and are organized into the nucleoid, a membraneless compartment composed of DNA, RNA, and proteins (nucleoid-associated proteins or NAPs). The continuous improvement of imaging and genomic methods has put the organization of these Mb-long molecules at reach, allowing to disambiguate some of their highly dynamic properties and intertwined structural features. Here we review and discuss some of the recent advances in the field of bacterial chromo-some organization.

Automated summary

Chromosomes in all domains of life have well-defined structures and hierarchical organization. The regulation of this organization and its interplay with gene expression and other chromosome processes are actively studied. Bacterial chromosomes are gene-dense and organized into a nucleoid, a membraneless compartment composed of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Recent advances in imaging and genomic methods have improved our understanding of bacterial chromosomal organization.