DNA structure, nucleosome placement and chromatin remodelling: a perspective

Abstract

A major question in chromatin biology is to what extent the sequence of DNA directly determines the genetic and chromatin organization of a eukaryotic genome? We consider two aspects to this question: the DNA sequence-specified positioning of nucleosomes and the determination of NDRs (nucleosome-depleted regions) or barriers. We argue that, in budding yeast, while DNA sequence-specified nucleosome positioning may contribute to positions flanking the regions lacking nucleosomes, DNA thermodynamic stability is a major component determinant of the genetic organization of this organism.