Re-defining the chromatin loop domain

Abstract

It is commonly accepted that the loop domain represents the basic structural unit of eukaryotic chromatin associated with DNA replication, gene expression and higher order packaging. However, molecular-cytological information defining the loop domain is lacking. There are gaps in our knowledge of the loop structure and how it regulates gene expression. The combination of new data/reagents from the Human Genome Project plus the use of novel molecular cytological technology will provide answers. Here we briefly review the status of chromatin loop research and pose questions that need to be addressed. New experimental systems are also presented to target some long-standing issues regarding the structure and function of the chromatin loop domain and its relationship with the nuclear matrix. This new knowledge will have a profound impact for modern genetics and molecular medicine.