Nucleosome positioning and gene regulation

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Abstract
Recent genetic and biochemical studies have revealed critical information concerning the role of nucleosomes in eukaryotic gene regulation. Nucleosomes package DNA into a dynamic chromatin structure, and by assuming defined positions in chromatin, influence gene regulation. Nucleosomes can serve as repressors, presumably by blocking access to regulatory elements; consequently, the positions of nucleosomes relative to the location of cis‐acting elements are critical. Some genes have a chromatin structure that is “preset,” ready for activation, while others require “remodeling” for activation. Nucleosome positioning may be determined by multiple factors, including histone–DNA interactions, boundaries defined by DNA structure or protein binding, and higher‐order chromatin structure.