2021/01/05 by Ilana M. Nodelman, Gregory D. Bowman · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics #Epigenetics and DNA Methylation #Chromatin Remodeling and Cancer
paper · pdf · doi:10.1146/annurev-biophys-082520-080201
openalex publication_date 2021/01/05 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
As primary carriers of epigenetic information and gatekeepers of genomic DNA, nucleosomes are essential for proper growth and development of all eukaryotic cells. Although they are intrinsically dynamic, nucleosomes are actively reorganized by ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers. Chromatin remodelers contain helicase-like ATPase motor domains that can translocate along DNA, and a long-standing question in the field is how this activity is used to reposition or slide nucleosomes. In addition to ratcheting along DNA like their helicase ancestors, remodeler ATPases appear to dictate specific alternating geometries of the DNA duplex, providing an unexpected means for moving DNA past the histone core. Emerging evidence supports twist-based mechanisms for ATP-driven repositioning of nucleosomes along DNA. In this review, we discuss core experimental findings and ideas that have shaped the view of how nucleosome sliding may be achieved.