Logo image
Back
The separation of transcriptionally engaged genes
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The separation of transcriptionally engaged genes

Y Tony Ip, Vaughn Jackson, Jeff Meier and Roger Chalkley
The Journal of biological chemistry, Vol.263(28), pp.14044-14052
1988
DOI: 10.1016/S0021-9258(18)68182-7
PMID: 3170538
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9258(18)68182-7View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

We have developed a method for the separation of transcriptionally engaged chromatin from inactive genes as well as from active genes which are not being transcribed. This approach is dependent upon the integrity of the growing transcript and is reflected in a significant decrease in the density of the chromatin during transcription. The decrease in density appears to be due to an association between the growing transcript and a large zone of lower density, possibly the nuclear matrix. These interactions are preserved after fixation of the nuclear material with formaldehyde. Hormonal induction of transcriptional activity causes a shift of the genetic material for the stimulated gene from the high density domain to the low density region. The vast majority of the polymerase II which is engaged with the chromosomal material is also found in this lower density zone. We find that most of the fast form of histone acetylation occurs on those histones which are associated with the active chromatin, further supporting the idea that this modification is involved in some way with the transcriptional process. The merits of this approach are discussed, as are the possibilities for its further exploitation.
 Molecular Genetics Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology Biological and medical sciences Transcription. Transcription factor. Splicing. Rna processing Molecular and cellular biology

Details

Metrics

15 Record Views
55 Times Cited - Web of Science
Logo image