Geometry of the nucleosomal DNA superhelix.

ABSTRACT: Nucleosome stability is largely an indirect measure of DNA sequence based on the material properties of DNA and the ability of a sequence to assume the required left-handed superhelical conformation. Here we focus attention only on the geometry of the superhelix and present two distinct mathematical expressions that rely on the DNA helical parameters (Shift, Slide, Rise, Tilt, Roll, Twist). One representation requires torsion for superhelix formation; the other requires shear. To compare these mathematical expressions to experimental data we develop a strategy for Fourier-filtering the helical parameters that identifies necessary and sufficient conditions to achieve a high-resolution model of the nucleosome superhelix. We apply this filtering strategy to 24 high-resolution structures of th

SUBMITTER: Bishop TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2479575 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature