Chromatin fibers with different protamine and histone compositions

Experimental Cell Research
M Teresa CasasJ A Subirana

Abstract

Previous studies have established that chromatin fibers which contain histones have variable diameters in different biological materials. In this paper we show that chromatin fibers are also present in spermatozoa and spermatids of bivalve molluscs in which some or all histones have been replaced by protamines. In all cases thick chromatin fibers are formed, with a diameter in the range 25-50 nm, depending on the species. We conclude that the formation of chromatin fibers is determined by the partial neutralization of the DNA charges with any histone or protamine, rather than due to a precise association of nucleosomes. This conclusion is in agreement with current theoretical work which shows that the diameter of complexes of DNA with counterions is determined by an overall balance of the interaction forces present.

Citations

Jun 15, 1993·European Journal of Biochemistry·N VerdaguerJ A Subirana
Dec 11, 2014·DNA and Cell Biology·Quirino Attilio VassalliMarina Piscopo
Feb 1, 1994·Molecular Reproduction and Development·M T Casas, J A Subirana
Aug 27, 2009·BioEssays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology·José M Eirín-López, Juan Ausió
Jul 19, 2002·Biochemistry and Cell Biology = Biochimie Et Biologie Cellulaire·John D Lewis, Juan Ausió
Jun 13, 1998·The Journal of Biological Chemistry·L HoweJ Ausió
Oct 26, 2005·The Journal of Biological Chemistry·José María Eirín-LópezJuan Ausió
Nov 5, 1999·Molecular Reproduction and Development·F ZhangJ Ausió
Jul 21, 1998·Molecular Reproduction and Development·S Banerjee, A Smallwood
Jan 5, 1999·The Journal of Biological Chemistry·C CáceresM Chiva
Feb 8, 2005·Molecular Reproduction and Development·Harold E KasinskyJuan Ausio

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