Eukaryotes associate their genomes with histone proteins, forming nucleosome particles. Nucleosomes regulate and protect the genetic information. They often assemble into evenly spaced arrays of nucleosomes. These regular nucleosome arrays cover significant portions of the genome, in particular over genes. The presence of these evenly spaced nucleosome arrays is highly conserved throughout the entire eukaryotic domain. Here, we review the mechanisms behind the establishment of this primary structure of chromatin with special emphasis on the biogenesis of evenly spaced nucleosome arrays. We highlight the roles that transcription, nucleosome remodelers, DNA sequence, and histone density play towards the formation of evenly spaced nucleosome arrays and summarize our current understanding of their cellular functions. We end with key unanswered questions that remain to be explored to obtain an in-depth understanding of the biogenesis and function of the nucleosome landscape.

• PMID: 33539878
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Reference Type

Journal Article | Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't | Review

Authors

Singh AK, Mueller-Planitz F

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HTB1 | HTA1 | HHF1 | HHT1 | CHD1 | REB1 | ISW1 | ABF1 | HTZ1 | HHF2 | HHT2 | ... Show allHTA2 | RAP1 | HHO1 | SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex | RSC chromatin remodelling complex, variant RSC2 | RSC chromatin remodelling complex, variant RSC1 | ISW1b chromatin remodeling complex | ISW1a chromatin remodeling complex | SAGA complex | SLIK (SAGA-like) complex | ISW2 chromatin remodeling complex | INO80 chromatin remodeling complex | Swr1 chromatin remodelling complex Show fewer