A simulation model of heterochromatin formation at submolecular detail.

ABSTRACT: Heterochromatin is a physical state of the chromatin fiber that maintains gene repression during cell development. Although evidence exists on molecular mechanisms involved in heterochromatin formation, a detailed structural mechanism of heterochromatin formation needs a better understanding. We made use of a simple Monte Carlo simulation model with explicit representation of key molecular events to observe molecular self-organization leading to heterochromatin formation. Our simulations provide a structural interpretation of several important traits of the heterochromatinization process. In particular, this study provides a depiction of how small amounts of HP1 are able to induce a highly condensed chromatin state through HP1 dimerization and bridging of sequence-remote nucleosomes. It al

SUBMITTER: Williams MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9254115 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature