Chromatin and Transcription

Genetic information in DNA is transcribed into RNA, which serves many purposes, including translation into proteins. Genomic DNA is packaged in nucleosomes, which impede the transcription process. The current article addresses the question of how this impediment is overcome. It is shown that nucleosomes are removed from promoter DNA, where transcription begins. Removal is accomplished by the disassembly of nucleosomes, through the action of chromatin remodeling complexes. A single nucleosome persists on the transcriptionally activated promoter at all times. Such nucleosome transactions are fundamental to all life processes, including cell differentiation and development, cell physiology and disease.