Chromatin fiber functional organization: some plausible models

Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2006 Mar;19(3):279-90. doi: 10.1140/epje/i2005-10050-6. Epub 2006 Feb 23.

Abstract

We here present a modeling study of the chromatin fiber functional organization. Multi-scale modeling is required to unravel the complex interplay between the fiber and the DNA levels. It suggests plausible scenarios, including both physical and biological aspects, for fiber condensation, its targeted decompaction, and transcription regulation. We conclude that a major role of the chromatin fiber structure might be to endow DNA with allosteric potentialities and to control DNA transactions by an epigenetic tuning of its mechanical and topological constraints.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatin / chemistry*
  • Chromatin / ultrastructure*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Feedback
  • Models, Genetic
  • Models, Molecular
  • Models, Structural
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • DNA