Chromatin dynamics at the replication fork: there's more to life than histones

Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2013 Apr;23(2):140-6. doi: 10.1016/j.gde.2012.12.007. Epub 2013 Jan 21.

Abstract

Before each division, eukaryotic cells face the daunting task of completely and accurately replicating a heterogeneous, chromatinized genome and repackaging both resulting daughters. Because replication requires strand separation, interactions between the DNA and its many associated proteins--including histones--must be transiently broken to allow the passage of the replication fork. Here, we will discuss the disruption and re-establishment of chromatin structure during replication, and the consequences of these processes for epigenetic inheritance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatin / genetics*
  • Chromatin / ultrastructure
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics*
  • DNA Replication / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Euchromatin / genetics
  • Histone Methyltransferases
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / genetics
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Nucleosomes / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Euchromatin
  • Histones
  • Nucleosomes
  • Transcription Factors
  • Histone Methyltransferases
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase