Phosphorylation of linker histone H1 regulates gene expression in vivo by creating a charge patch

The direct interaction between ASH2, a Drosophila trithorax group protein, and SKTL, a nuclear phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase, implies a role for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in maintaining transcriptionally active chromatin

The products of trithorax group (trxG) genes maintain active transcription of many important developmental regulatory genes, including homeotic genes. Several trxG proteins have been shown to act in multimeric protein complexes that modify chromatin structure. ASH2, the product of the Drosophila trxG gene absent, small, or homeotic discs 2 (ash2) is a component of a 500-kD complex. In this article, we provide biochemical evidence that ASH2 binds directly to Skittles (SKTL), a predicted phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase, and genetic evidence that the association of these proteins is functionally significant. We also show that histone H1 hyperphosphorylation is dramatically increased in both ash2 and sktl mutant polytene chromosomes. These results suggest that ASH2 maintains active transcription by binding a producer of nuclear phosphoinositides and downregulating histone H1 hyperphosphorylation.

Genome-wide analysis of the relationship between transcriptional regulation by Rpd3p and the histone H3 and H4 amino termini in budding yeast

The histone amino termini have emerged as key targets for a variety of modifying enzymes that function as transcriptional coactivators and corepressors. However, an important question that has remained largely unexplored is the extent to which specific histone amino termini are required for the activating and repressive functions of these enzymes, Here we address this issue by focusing on the prototypical histone deacetylase, Rpd3p, in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that targeting Rpd3p to a reporter gene in this yeast can partially repress transcription when either the histone H3 or the histone H4 amino terminus is deleted, indicating that the "tails" are individually dispensable for repression by Rpd3p. In contrast, we find that the effect of rpd3 gene disruption on global gene expression is considerably reduced in either a histone H3Delta1-28 (H3 lacking the amino-terminal 28 amino acids) or a histone H4(K5,8,12,16Q) (H4 with lysine residues 5, 8, 12, and 16 changed to glutamine residues) background compared to the wild-type background, indicating a requirement for one or both of these histone tails in Rpd3p-mediated regulation for many genes. These results suggest that acetylation of either the H3 or the H4 amino terminus could suffice to allow the activation of such genes. We also examine the relationship between H3 tails and H4 tails in global gene expression and find substantial overlap among the gene sets regulated by these histone tails. We also show that the effects on genome-wide expression of deleting the H3 or H4 amino terminus are similar but not identical to the effects of mutating the lysine residues in these same regions. These results indicate that the gene regulatory potential of the H3 and H4 amino termini is substantially but not entirely contained in these modifiable lysine residues.

Global position and recruitment of HATs and HDACs in the yeast genome

Chromatin regulators play fundamental roles in the regulation of gene expression and chromosome maintenance, but the regions of the genome where most of these regulators function has not been established. We explored the genome-wide occupancy of four different chromatin regulators encoded in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results reveal that the histone acetyltransferases Gcn5 and Esa1 are both generally recruited to the promoters of active protein-coding genes. In contrast, the histone deacetylases Hst1 and Rpd3 are recruited to specific sets of genes associated with distinct cellular functions. Our results provide new insights into the association of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases with the yeast genome, and together with previous studies, suggest how these chromatin regulators are recruited to specific regions of the genome.

The C-terminal domain is the primary determinant of histone H1 binding to chromatin in vivo

We have used a combination of kinetic measurements and targeted mutations to show that the C-terminal domain is required for high-affinity binding of histone H1 to chromatin, and phosphorylations can disrupt binding by affecting the secondary structure of the C terminus. By measuring the fluorescence recovery after photo-bleaching profiles of green fluorescent protein-histone H1 proteins in living cells, we find that the deletion of the N terminus only modestly reduces binding affinity. Deletion of the C terminus, however, almost completely eliminates histone H1.1 binding. Specific mutations of the C-terminal domain identified Thr-152 and Ser-183 as novel regulatory switches that control the binding of histone H1.1 in vivo. It is remarkable that the single amino acid substitution of Thr-152 with glutamic acid was almost as effective as the truncation of the C terminus to amino acid 151 in destabilizing histone H1.1 binding in vivo. We found that modifications to the C terminus can affect histone H1 binding dramatically but have little or no influence on the charge distribution or the overall net charge of this domain. A comparison of individual point mutations and deletion mutants, when reviewed collectively, cannot be reconciled with simple charge-dependent mechanisms of C-terminal domain function of linker histones.

Rapid replacement of somatic linker histones with the oocyte-specific linker histone H1foo in nuclear transfer

The most distinctive feature of oocyte-specific linker histones is the specific timing of their expression during embryonic development. In Xenopus nuclear transfer, somatic linker histones in the donor nucleus are replaced with oocyte-specific linker histone B4, leading to the involvement of oocyte-specific linker histones in nuclear reprogramming. We recently have discovered a mouse oocyte-specific linker histone, named H1foo, and demonstrated its expression pattern in normal preimplantation embryos. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the replacement of somatic linker histones with H1foo occurs during the process of mouse nuclear transfer. H1foo was detected in the donor nucleus soon after transplantation. Thereafter, H1foo was restricted to the chromatin in up to two-cell stage embryos. After fusion of an oocyte with a cell expressing GFP (green fluorescent protein)-tagged somatic linker histone H1c, immediate release of H1c in the donor nucleus was observed. In addition, we used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and found that H1foo is more mobile than H1c in living cells. The greater mobility of H1foo may contribute to its rapid replacement and decreased stability of the embryonic chromatin structure. These results suggest that rapid replacement of H1c with H1foo may play an important role in nuclear remodeling.

The dynamic mobility of histone H1 is regulated by cyclin/CDK phosphorylation

The linker histone H1 is involved in maintaining higher-order chromatin structures and displays dynamic nuclear mobility, which may be regulated by posttranslational modifications. To analyze the effect of H1 tail phosphorylation on the modulation of the histone's nuclear dynamics, we generated a mutant histone H1, referred to as M1-5, in which the five cyclin-dependent kinase phosphorylation consensus sites were mutated from serine or threonine residues into alanines. Cyclin E/CDK2 or cyclin A/CDK2 cannot phosphorylate the mutant in vitro. Using the technique of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we observed that the mobility of a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-M1-5 fusion protein is decreased compared to that of a GFP-wild-type H1 fusion protein. In addition, recovery of H1 correlated with CDK2 activity, as GFP-H1 mobility was decreased in cells with low CDK2 activity. Blocking the activity of CDK2 by p21 expression decreased the mobility of GFP-H1 but not that of GFP-M1-5. Finally, the level and rate of recovery of cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)-M1-5 were lower than those of CFP-H1 specifically in heterochromatic regions. These data suggest that CDK2 phosphorylates histone H1 in vivo, resulting in a more open chromatin structure by destabilizing H1-chromatin interactions.

Demonstration of in vitro interaction between tumor suppressor lysyl oxidase and histones H1 and H2: definition of the regions involved

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is the enzyme that cross-links extracellular collagen and tropoelastin and is involved in tumor suppressor activity. Based on the existent homologies between lysine-rich regions of tropoelastin and the "lysine-rich" histone H1, we tested the possibility that H1 could be a new nuclear target. Our study shows that LOX could actually interact specifically not only with histone H1, but also with histone H2. Mechanisms and significance of these interactions are discussed in detail.

The nonessential H2A N-terminal tail can function as an essential charge patch on the H2A.Z variant N-terminal tail

Tetrahymena thermophila cells contain three forms of H2A: major H2A.1 and H2A.2, which make up approximately 80% of total H2A, and a conserved variant, H2A.Z. We showed previously that acetylation of H2A.Z was essential (Q. Ren and M. A. Gorovsky, Mol. Cell 7:1329-1335, 2001). Here we used in vitro mutagenesis of lysine residues, coupled with gene replacement, to identify the sites of acetylation of the N-terminal tail of the major H2A and to analyze its function in vivo. Tetrahymena cells survived with all five acetylatable lysines replaced by arginines plus a mutation that abolished acetylation of the N-terminal serine normally found in the wild-type protein. Thus, neither posttranslational nor cotranslational acetylation of major H2A is essential. Surprisingly, the nonacetylatable N-terminal tail of the major H2A was able to replace the essential function of the acetylation of the H2A.Z N-terminal tail. Tail-swapping experiments between H2A.1 and H2A.Z revealed that the nonessential acetylation of the major H2A N-terminal tail can be made to function as an essential charge patch in place of the H2A.Z N-terminal tail and that while the pattern of acetylation of an H2A N-terminal tail is determined by the tail sequence, the effects of acetylation on viability are determined by properties of the H2A core and not those of the N-terminal tail itself.

Histone H1 Is required for proper regulation of pyruvate decarboxylase gene expression in Neurospora crassa

We show that Neurospora crassa has a single histone H1 gene, hH1, which encodes a typical linker histone with highly basic N- and C-terminal tails and a central globular domain. A green fluorescent protein-tagged histone H1 chimeric protein was localized exclusively to nuclei. Mutation of hH1 by repeat-induced point mutation (RIP) did not result in detectable defects in morphology, DNA methylation, mutagen sensitivity, DNA repair, fertility, RIP, chromosome pairing, or chromosome segregation. Nevertheless, hH1 mutants had mycelial elongation rates that were lower than normal on all tested carbon sources. This slow linear growth phenotype, however, was less evident on medium containing ethanol. The pyruvate decarboxylase gene, cfp, was abnormally derepressed in hH1 mutants on ethanol-containing medium. This derepression was also found when an ectopically integrated fusion of the cfp gene promoter to the reporter gene hph was analyzed. Thus, Neurospora histone H1 is required for the proper regulation of cfp, a gene with a key role in the respiratory-fermentative pathway.

Functional consequences of histone modifications

Covalent modifications of the histone proteins have well-known roles in gene expression. Experiments reported during the past year have extended this paradigm to include roles for histone acetylation and phosphorylation in DNA double-strand break repair. In addition, new results now provide a definitive example of an acetylation histone code, whereas others reveal the workings of a charge patch mechanism. Finally, exciting research has identified new modifications, complex modification cascades, and functional links to DNA methylation and RNA interference pathways.

Phosphorylation and an ATP-dependent process increase the dynamic exchange of H1 in chromatin

In Tetrahymena cells, phosphorylation of linker histone H1 regulates transcription of specific genes. Phosphorylation acts by creating a localized negative charge patch and phenocopies the loss of H1 from chromatin, suggesting that it affects transcription by regulating the dissociation of H1 from chromatin. To test this hypothesis, we used FRAP of GFP-tagged H1 to analyze the effects of mutations that either eliminate or mimic phosphorylation on the binding of H1 to chromatin both in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrate that phosphorylation can increase the rate of dissociation of H1 from chromatin, providing a mechanism by which it can affect H1 function in vivo. We also demonstrate a previously undescribed ATP-dependent process that has a global effect on the dynamic binding of linker histone to chromatin.

Reversible hypercondensation and decondensation of mitotic chromosomes studied using combined chemical-micromechanical techniques

We show that the chromatin in mitotic chromosomes can be drastically overcompacted or unfolded by temporary shifts in ion concentrations. By locally 'microspraying' reactants from micron-size pipettes, while simultaneously monitoring the size of and tension in single chromosomes, we are able to quantitatively study the dynamics of these reactions. The tension in a chromosome is monitored through observation and calibration of bending of the glass pipettes used to manipulate the chromosomes. For concentrations > 500 mM of NaCl and > 200 mM of MgCl2, we find that the initially applied tensions of approximately 500 pN relax to zero and that mitotic chromatin temporarily disperses in agreement with previous work (Maniotis et al. [1997] J. Cell. Biochem. 65:114-130). This unfolding occurs in about 1 s, and is reversible once the charge density is returned to physiological levels, if the exposure is not longer than approximately 1 min. Low concentrations of NaCl (< 30 mM) also induces a decrease in tension and increase in size. We observe this swelling to be isotropic in experiments on chromosomes under zero tension, a behavior inconsistent with the existence of a well-defined central chromosome 'scaffold'. By contrast 10 mM of divalent cations (MgCl2 and CaCl2) induces an extremely rapid and reversible increase in tension and a reduction in the size of mitotic chromosomes. Hexaminecobalt trichloride (trivalent cation) has the same effect as MgCl2 and CaCl2, except the magnitude of force increase and size change are much larger. Hexaminecobalt trichloride reduces mitotic chromosomes to 65% of their original volume, indicating that at least 1/3 of their apparent volume is aqueous solution. These results indicate that chromatin inside mitotic chromatids has a large amount of conformational freedom allowing dynamic unfolding and refolding and that charge interactions play a central role in maintaining mitotic chromosome structure.

Regulation of transcription by H1 phosphorylation in Tetrahymena is position independent and requires clustered sites

In Tetrahymena cells, constitutive phosphorylation of histone H1 phenocopies the loss of H1 from chromatin. Regulation of transcription by H1 phosphorylation is achieved by altering the overall charges of a small domain. Here, we further explore the electrostatic properties of this domain and the mechanism by which it regulates transcription. We demonstrate that the regulatory effect of the clustered charges does not require any long-range interaction and is position independent. However, when the same number of charges was dispersed throughout the H1 molecule, the effect became undetectable. The results are explained by a nucleation-propagation model and provide in vivo evidence that the synergy of the clustered positive charges plays a role in histone function and gene regulation.

A robust inducible-repressible promoter greatly facilitates gene knockouts, conditional expression, and overexpression of homologous and heterologous genes in Tetrahymena thermophila

The Cd(2+)-inducible metallothionein (MTT1) gene was cloned from Tetrahymena thermophila. Northern blot analysis showed that MTT1 mRNA is not detectable in the absence of Cd(2+), is induced within 10 min of its addition, is expressed in proportion to its concentration, and rapidly disappears upon its withdrawal. Similarly, when the neo1 gene coding region flanked by the MTT1 gene noncoding sequences was used to disrupt the MTT1 locus, no transformants were observed in the absence of Cd(2+), and the number of transformants was proportional to increased Cd(2+) concentration. The neo3 cassette, in which the MTT1 promoter replaced the histone gene HHF1 promoter of the previously used neo2 cassette, transformed cells at much higher frequencies than neo2 and produced germ-line knockouts where neo2 had failed. Rescuing the progeny of a mating of gamma-tubulin gene, GTU1, knockout heterokaryons with a GTU1 gene inserted into the MTT1 locus yielded >75 times more transformants than rescuing with the wild-type GTU1 gene itself. When cells rescued with the MTT1-GTU1 chimeric gene were transferred to medium lacking Cd(2+), they stopped growing and had phenotypic changes indistinguishable from cells containing only disrupted GTU1 genes. Thus, it is now possible to create conditional lethal mutants and study the terminal phenotypes of null mutations for essential genes by replacing the endogenous gene with one under the control of the MTT1 promoter. The MTT1 promoter also resulted in approximately 30 times more overexpression of the IAG48[G1] surface antigen gene of the ciliate fish parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis than the highly expressed BTU1 promoter, accounting for approximately 1% of the total cell protein. Thus, the MTT1 promoter should enable routine over-expression of endogenous and foreign genes in Tetrahymena.

Histone H1 is phosphorylated in non-replicating and infective forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

The nuclear structure changes during the differentiation from growing to infective stages of Trypanosoma cruzi. As histone modifications have been correlated with structural and functional changes of chromatin, we investigated whether histones in T. cruzi are modified during the life cycle of this protozoan parasite. We found that histone H1 isolated from proliferating forms (epimastigotes) and from differentiated/infective forms (trypomastigotes) have a distinct migrating pattern in Triton-acetic acid-urea gel electrophoresis. While epimastigotes contain predominantly a fast migrating form, a slow migrating band is prominent in trypomastigotes. By metabolically labeling the cells with radioactive phosphate, we demonstrated that the slow migrating histone H1 band is phosphorylated, and that after alkaline phosphatase treatment, it migrates as the fast form. Parasites arrested at the onset of the S phase of the cell cycle with hydroxyurea (HU) also predominantly have the phosphorylated form of histone H1, suggesting that phosphorylation occurs in non-replicating stages of T. cruzi. We also found that the phosphorylated histone H1 is more weakly associated with the chromatin, being preferentially released at 150 mM NaCl. Therefore, histone H1 phosphorylation varies during the life cycle of T. cruzi, and might be related to changes in the chromatin structure.

Histone variants and histone modifications: A structural perspective

In this review, we briefly analyze the current state of knowledge on histone variants and their posttranslational modifications. We place special emphasis on the description of the structural component(s) defining and determining their functional role. The information available indicates that this histone "variability" may operate at different levels: short-range "local" or long-range "global", with different functional implications. Recent work on this topic emphasizes an earlier notion that suggests that, in many instances, the functional response to histone variability is possibly the result of a synergistic structural effect.Key words: histone variants, posttranslational modifications, chromatin.

Specific distribution of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae linker histone homolog HHO1p in the chromatin

In virtually all eukaryotic organisms, linker DNA between nucleosomes is associated with a histone termed linker histone or histone H1. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, HHO1 encodes a putative linker histone with very significant homology to histone H1. The encoded protein is expressed in the nucleus, but has not been shown to affect global chromatin structure, nor has its deletion shown any detectable phenotype. In vitro chromatin assembly experiments with recombinant HHO1p have shown that it is able to complex with dinuncleosomes in a similar manner to histone H1. Here we report that while disruption of HHO1 has little affect on RNA levels of most cellular transcripts, there are numerous exceptions. Measurement of HHO1p concentration in the wild-type cell showed a stoichiometry of about one HHO1p molecule per 37 nucleosomes. Localization of HHO1p in the chromatin, using an immunoprecipitation technique, showed preferential HHO1p binding to rDNA sequences. These results suggest that HHO1p may play a similar role to linker histones, but at restricted locations in the chromatin.

A multiprotein complex that interacts with RNA polymerase II elongator

A three-subunit Hap complex that interacts with the RNA polymerase II Elongator was isolated from yeast. Deletions of genes for two Hap subunits, HAP1 and HAP3, confer pGKL killer-insensitive and weak Elongator phenotypes. Preferential interaction of the Hap complex with free rather than RNA polymerase II-associated Elongator suggests a role in the regulation of Elongator activity.

Translating the histone code

Chromatin, the physiological template of all eukaryotic genetic information, is subject to a diverse array of posttranslational modifications that largely impinge on histone amino termini, thereby regulating access to the underlying DNA. Distinct histone amino-terminal modifications can generate synergistic or antagonistic interaction affinities for chromatin-associated proteins, which in turn dictate dynamic transitions between transcriptionally active or transcriptionally silent chromatin states. The combinatorial nature of histone amino-terminal modifications thus reveals a "histone code" that considerably extends the information potential of the genetic code. We propose that this epigenetic marking system represents a fundamental regulatory mechanism that has an impact on most, if not all, chromatin-templated processes, with far-reaching consequences for cell fate decisions and both normal and pathological development.

Histone H1 phosphorylation by Cdk2 selectively modulates mouse mammary tumor virus transcription through chromatin remodeling

Transcriptional activation of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter by ligand-bound glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is transient. Previously, we demonstrated that prolonged hormone exposure results in displacement of the transcription factor nuclear factor 1 (NF1) and the basal transcription complex from the promoter, the dephosphorylation of histone H1, and the establishment of a repressive chromatin structure. We have explored the mechanistic link between histone H1 dephosphorylation and silencing of the MMTV promoter by describing the putative kinase responsible for H1 phosphorylation. Both in vitro kinase assays and in vivo protein expression studies suggest that in hormone-treated cells the ability of cdk2 to phosphorylate histone H1 is decreased and the cdk2 inhibitory p21 protein level is increased. To address the role of cdk2 and histone H1 dephosphorylation in the silencing of the MMTV promoter, we used potent cdk2 inhibitors, Roscovitine and CVT-313, to generate an MMTV promoter which is associated predominantly with the dephosphorylated form of histone H1. Both Roscovitine and CVT-313 block phosphorylation of histone H1 and, under these conditions, the GR is unable to remodel chromatin, recruit transcription factors to the promoter, or stimulate MMTV mRNA accumulation. These results suggest a model where cdk2-directed histone H1 phosphorylation is a necessary condition to permit GR-mediated chromatin remodeling and activation of the MMTV promoter in vivo.

Linker DNA destabilizes condensed chromatin

The contribution of the linker region to maintenance of condensed chromatin was examined in two model systems, namely sea urchin sperm nuclei and chicken red blood cell nuclei. Linkerless nuclei, prepared by extensive digestion with micrococcal nuclease, were compared with Native nuclei using several assays, including microscopic appearance, nuclear turbidity, salt stability, and trypsin resistance. Chromatin in the Linkerless nuclei was highly condensed, resembling pyknotic chromatin in apoptotic cells. Linkerless nuclei were more stable in low ionic strength buffers and more resistant to trypsin than Native nuclei. Analysis of histones from the trypsinized nuclei by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that specific histone H1, H2B, and H3 tail regions stabilized linker DNA in condensed nuclei. Thermal denaturation of soluble chromatin preparations from differentially trypsinized sperm nuclei demonstrated that the N-terminal regions of histones Sp H1, Sp H2B, and H3 bind tightly to linker DNA, causing it to denature at a high temperature. We conclude that linker DNA exerts a disruptive force on condensed chromatin structure which is counteracted by binding of specific histone tail regions to the linker DNA. The inherent instability of the linker region may be significant in all eukaryotic chromatins and may promote gene activation in living cells.Key words: chromatin condensation, sea urchin sperm, chicken red blood cell, nuclei, linker DNA, histone variants, micrococcal nuclease, nucleosome, trypsin, gel electrophoresis.

Histone H2A.Z acetylation modulates an essential charge patch

Histone H2A.Z is structurally and functionally distinct from the major H2As. To understand the function of H2A.Z acetylation, we performed a mutagenic analysis of the six acetylated lysines in the N-terminal tail of Tetrahymena H2A.Z. Tetrahymena cannot survive with arginines at all six sites. Retention of one acetylatable lysine is sufficient to provide the essential function of H2A.Z acetylation. This essential function can be mimicked by deleting the region encompassing all six sites, or by mutations that reduce the positive charge of the N terminus at the acetylation sites themselves, or at other sites in the tail. These properties argue that the essential function of H2A.Z acetylation is to modify a "charge patch" by reducing the charge of the tail.

Phosphorylation of histone variant regions in chromatin: Unlocking the linker?

Histone variants illuminate the behavior of chromatin through their unique structures and patterns of postsynthetic modification. This review examines the literature on heteromorphous histone structures in chromatin, structures that are primary targets for histone kinases and phosphatases in vivo. Special attention is paid to certain well-studied experimental systems: mammalian culture cells, chicken erythrocytes, sea urchin sperm, wheat sprouts, Tetrahymena, and budding yeast. A common theme emerges from these studies. Specialized, highly basic structures in histone variants promote chromatin condensation in a variety of developmental situations. Before, and sometimes after condensed chromatin is formed, the chromatin is rendered soluble by phosphorylation of the heteromorphous regions, preventing their interaction with linker DNA. A simple structural model accounting for histone variation and phosphorylation is presented.Key words: phosphorylation, histone variants, chromatin, linker DNA.

Decreased expression of specific genes in yeast cells lacking histone H1

Chromatin plays an important role in regulating eukaryotic gene expression. Chromatin is composed of DNA wrapped around a nucleosome core (consisting of two copies of the well conserved histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) and a more variable linker histone H1. Various in vitro and in vivo studies have implicated histone H1 as a repressor of gene expression or as an activator, but its exact role is still unclear. Sequencing of the yeast genome has led to the identification of a putative histone H1 gene. Biochemical studies demonstrated that yeast does indeed possess a bona fide histone H1. However, deletion of the unique yeast H1 gene is not associated with any phenotypes, and it was questioned whether it plays any role. To address this issue, we performed whole-genome microarray analysis to identify genes that are affected by H1 removal. Surprisingly, deletion of the gene encoding histone H1 does not result in increased gene expression but rather in a modest reduction. Northern blot analysis of selected genes confirmed the results obtained with the microarray analysis. A similar effect was observed with an integrated lacZ reporter. Thus, our data demonstrate that removal of yeast histone H1 only results in decreased gene expression.

Nucleosomes and the chromatin fiber

During the past year and a half, significant progress has been made in understanding the structure and dynamics of nucleosomes and the chromatin fiber, the mechanism of action of the core histone amino termini, the structure and function of histone variants, and the function of linker histones in the chromatin fiber.

Higher-order structure of chromatin and chromosomes

The linear array of nucleosomes that comprises the primary structure of chromatin is folded and condensed to varying degrees in nuclei and chromosomes forming 'higher order structures'. We discuss the recent findings from novel experimental approaches that have yielded significant new information on the different hierarchical levels of chromatin folding and their functional significance.