HMGA proteins are small nuclear proteins that bind DNA by conserved AT-hook motifs, modify chromatin architecture and assist in gene expression.
Chromatin remodelling complexes such as the SWI2/SNF2 family of ATP-dependent chromatin remodellers can alter chromatin architecture by changing nucleosome positioning or substituting histones with histone variants.
Others act by modifying chromatin structure.
SUMO is capable of binding to chromatin by modifying chromatin remodeling proteins and transcription factors [ 48].
Epigenetic alterations of chromatin such as histone acetylation do not alter the DNA sequence but modify the chromatin architecture and its accessibility, resulting in repressed gene transcription.
Epigenetic regulation, which modifies the chromatin architecture to facilitate gene expression at specific loci of the genome, is a rapidly developing field of research.
Preceding the binding of STAT6, several epigenetic mechanisms were observed that are known to modify the chromatin architecture of a gene.
Cho, H. et al. A human RNA polymerase II complex containing factors that modify chromatin structure.
The Kingston lab is interested in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of how eukaryotic enzymes can modify chromatin.
It is possible that interaction with histone H2A modifies chromatin to regulate downstream gene expression.
