Modifying gene expression programs by altering core promoter chromatin architecture.

Abstract

Transcriptional activation of the IFN-beta gene in response to virus infection requires the assembly of an enhanceosome, which instructs a recruitment program of chromatin modifiers/remodelers and general transcription factors to the promoter. This program culminates with sliding of a nucleosome blocking the core promoter to a downstream position, a prerequisite for transcriptional activation. We show that delivery of this nucleosome to the same downstream position to create an accessible IFN-beta core promoter prior to enhanceosome assembly results in major changes in the gene expression program with regard to the temporal pattern and the signal specificity of the transcriptional response. Thus, the identity of a gene expression program is achieved and maintained by the dynamic interplay between specific enhanceosomes and specific local chromatin structure.

• Authors: Stavros Lomvardas, Dimitris Thanos
• Journal: Cell (Cell) Vol. 110 Issue 2 Pg. 261-71 (Jul 26 2002) ISSN: 0092-8674 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12150933 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Chromatin
• Nucleosomes
• Interferon-beta

Topics

• Chromatin (physiology)
• Gene Expression Profiling
• HeLa Cells
• Humans
• Interferon-beta (genetics)
• Nucleosomes
• Promoter Regions, Genetic
• Signal Transduction
• Transcriptional Activation