Cytology of DNA Replication Reveals Dynamic Plasticity of Large-Scale Chromatin Fibers.

ABSTRACT: In higher eukaryotic interphase nuclei, the 100- to >1,000-fold linear compaction of chromatin is difficult to reconcile with its function as a template for transcription, replication, and repair. It is challenging to imagine how DNA and RNA polymerases with their associated molecular machinery would move along the DNA template without transient decondensation of observed large-scale chromatin "chromonema" fibers [1]. Transcription or "replication factory" models [2], in which polymerases remain fixed while DNA is reeled through, are similarly difficult to conceptualize without transient decondensation of these chromonema fibers. Here, we show how a dynamic plasticity of chromatin folding within large-scale chromatin fibers allows DNA replication to take place without significant changes i

SUBMITTER: Deng X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5039087 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature