Chromatin higher order dynamics: A single molecule approach

• Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Alexander Brehm
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Zellbiologie
• Förderung: Förderung von 2004 bis 2009
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 5424047

Higher order structure of eukaryotic chromosomes is governed by protein/DNA interactions that mediate the folding of DNA into chromatin fibres. Chromatin fibre structure revolves around nucleosomes, the fundamental units of chromatin. SNF2 ATPases and histone modifying enzymes remodel nucleosomes and have been documented to play key roles in the generation, maintenance and alteration of the epigenetic code during the cell cycle and during ontogeny. We propose to study the influence of chromatin remodelling factors on the physical properties of chromatin fibres. To this end, fully recombinant model polynucleosomal arrays suited for physico-chemical characterisation will be generated. Second, defined prototypic chromatin remodelling activities will be purified in preparative quantities. Last, state-of-the-art single molecule magnetic tweezers and time-lapse Atomic Force Microscopy will be employed to rigorously investigate the physical properties and dynamics of chromatin higher order structural transitions catalysed by chromatin remodellers. With this combined multidisciplinary approach we expect to elucidate nucleosome mediated higher order chromatin structural transitions with an unsurpassed degree of resolution.

• DFG-Verfahren: Sachbeihilfen
• Internationaler Bezug: Niederlande
• Beteiligte Personen: Dr. Colin Logie; Dr. John van Noort