Chromatin Fiber Invasion and Nucleosome Displacement by the Rap1 Transcription Factor

2019/11/21 by Maxime Mivelaz, Anne-Marinette Cao, Slawomir Kubik +7 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics #Fungal and yeast genetics research #Plant Molecular Biology Research

paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/j.molcel.2019.10.025

openalex publication_date 2019/11/21 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04

Abstract

Pioneer transcription factors (pTFs) bind to target sites within compact chromatin, initiating chromatin remodeling and controlling the recruitment of downstream factors. The mechanisms by which pTFs overcome the chromatin barrier are not well understood. Here, we reveal, using single-molecule fluorescence, how the yeast transcription factor Rap1 invades and remodels chromatin. Using a reconstituted chromatin system replicating yeast promoter architecture, we demonstrate that Rap1 can bind nucleosomal DNA within a chromatin fiber but with shortened dwell times compared to naked DNA. Moreover, we show that Rap1 binding opens chromatin fiber structure by inhibiting inter-nucleosome contacts. Finally, we reveal that Rap1 collaborates with the chromatin remodeler RSC to displace promoter nucleosomes, paving the way for long-lived bound states on newly exposed DNA. Together, our results provide a mechanistic view of how Rap1 gains access and opens chromatin, thereby establishing an active promoter architecture and controlling gene expression.

Citations

• Reconstitution of Nucleosome Core Particles from Recombinant Histones and DNA
• Multivalency governs HP1α association dynamics with the silent chromatin state
• Pioneer Transcription Factors Target Partial DNA Motifs on Nucleosomes to Initiate Reprogramming
• Nucleosomes facilitate their own invasion
• X-ray structure of a tetranucleosome and its implications for the chromatin fibre
• Rapid spontaneous accessibility of nucleosomal DNA
• Crystal structure of the nucleosome core particle at 2.8 Å resolution
• Pioneer transcription factors, chromatin dynamics, and cell fate control
• A bi-terminal protein ligation strategy to probe chromatin structure during DNA damage

Cited by

• Beat Fierz [wikipedia]

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