Fundamental Features of Chromatin Structure

Abstract

Which mechanisms regulate nuclear plasticity? Part of the answer to that question lies in understanding how genes are expressed and regulated in the context of chromatin structure. It is now clear that the genes are regulated in discrete and controlled stages, from packaging into chromatin to their localization within the nucleus. Whereas the genetic information provides the framework for the manufacture of all proteins necessary to create a living cell, chromatin structure controls how, where, and when the genetic information should be used. In this minireview, I summarize the main characteristics of chromatin structure and highlight some of the modifications usually associated with the regulation of gene expression.