Abstract
ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activities participate in the alteration of chromatin structure during gene regulation. All have DNA- or chromatin-stimulated ATPase activity and many can alter the structure of chromatin; however, the means by which they do this have remained unclear. Here we describe a novel activity for ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activities, the ability to generate unconstrained negative superhelical torsion in DNA and chromatin. We find that the ability to distort DNA is shared by the yeast SWI/SNF complex, Xenopus Mi-2 complex, recombinant ISWI, and recombinant BRG1, suggesting that the generation of superhelical torsion represents a primary biomechanical activity shared by all Snf2p-related ATPase motors. The generation of superhelical torque provides a potent means by which ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activities can manipulate chromatin structure.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism*
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Animals
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Chromatin / chemistry*
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Chromatin / metabolism*
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DNA, Superhelical / chemistry
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DNA, Superhelical / metabolism
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Drosophila Proteins*
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Hydrolysis
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Nuclear Proteins / genetics
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Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
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Nucleic Acid Conformation
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Nucleosomes / chemistry
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Nucleosomes / metabolism
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RNA-Binding Proteins*
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Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear / genetics
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Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear / metabolism
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Torsion Abnormality
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Xenopus
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Yeasts
Substances
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Chromatin
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DNA, Superhelical
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Drosophila Proteins
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Nuclear Proteins
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Nucleosomes
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RNA-Binding Proteins
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Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear
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Transcription Factors
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snf protein, Drosophila
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Adenosine Triphosphate