DNA is heavily coiled and packed into tiny structures in the nucleus of every cell. The single long sequence of DNA consists of many stretches of useful information called genes that are selectively transcribed and translated into proteins based on their need in the cell. Different cells in the human body have different functions, which means they require activation of different genes.
How each cell is able to locate the gene of interest in the tiny and dense structure, was a mystery until it was recently solved by Zhong et al. (link to the paper is mentioned below)The team of biochemists from Australia have discovered the function of CHD4 (a motor protein) in accessing information from what they term as a ‘genetic cotton reel’.
Single molecule assays were used to identify the role of CHD4 as a chromatin remodeling primer. The binding energy for formation of nucleosome-CHD4 complex simultaneously activated ATP driven nucleosome sliding. The process occurs by disengaging entry and exit translocation wherein flanked DNA ‘enters in a continuous, gradual manner but exits in concerted 4-6 base pair steps’
Although this is a proposed mechanism, deeper understanding will allow for its potential use in treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders and some cancers as they are diseases triggered by incorrect DNA remodeling, according to Dr. Mackay (Professor, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney).
Read more at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-15183-2
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