Comparative analysis of sequence periodicity among prokaryotic genomes points to differences in nucleoid structure and a relationship to gene expression.

ABSTRACT: Regular spacing of short runs of A or T nucleotides in DNA sequences with a period close to the helical period of the DNA double helix has been associated with intrinsic DNA bending and nucleosome positioning in eukaryotes. Analogous periodic signals were also observed in prokaryotic genomes. While the exact role of this periodicity in prokaryotes is not known, it has been proposed to facilitate the DNA packaging in the prokaryotic nucleoid and/or to promote negative or positive supercoiling. We developed a methodology for assessments of intragenomic heterogeneity of these periodic patterns and applied it in analysis of 1,025 prokaryotic chromosomes. This technique allows more detailed analysis of sequence periodicity than previous methods where sequence periodicity was assessed in an inte

SUBMITTER: Mrazek J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2897355 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature