The interaction of transcription factors with nucleosomal DNA

Abstract

Nucleosome positioning is proposed to have an essential role in facilitating the regulated transcription of eukaryotic genes. Some transcription factors can bind to DNA when it is appropriately wrapped around the histone core, others cannot bind due to the severe deformation of DNA structure. The staged assembly of nucleosomes and positioning of histone-DNA contacts away from promoter elements can facilitate the access of transcription factors to DNA. Positioned nucleosomes can also facilitate transcription through providing the appropriate scaffolding to bring regulatory factors bound at dispersed sites into juxtaposition.