Direct Observation of Histone-Induced DNA Shortening
RAN Shi-Yong1, WANG Xiao-Ling1, FU Wen-Bo1, LAI Zhen-Hua1, WANG Wei-Chi1, LIU Xiao-Qing2, MAI Zhen-Hong1, LI Ming1
1Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080
2Life Science College, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100037
Direct Observation of Histone-Induced DNA Shortening
RAN Shi-Yong1;WANG Xiao-Ling1;FU Wen-Bo1;LAI Zhen-Hua1;WANG Wei-Chi1;LIU Xiao-Qing2;MAI Zhen-Hong1;LI Ming1
1Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080
2Life Science College, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100037
Abstract： We construct a system of magnetic tweezers and apply it to study the interaction between histones and DNA. The condensation of DNA by purified histones at low ionic strengths is directly monitored by recording the length of the DNA as a function of elapsed time. It is found that DNA condensates in a dynamic manner. The binding of histones to DNA is energetically favoured, but the tension applied on DNA tends to unravel the DNA-histone complex. The competition between the two processes determines the rate of the DNA condensation.
RAN Shi-Yong;WANG Xiao-Ling;FU Wen-Bo;LAI Zhen-Hua;WANG Wei-Chi;LIU Xiao-Qing;MAI Zhen-Hong;LI Ming. Direct Observation of Histone-Induced DNA Shortening[J]. 中国物理快报, 2006, 23(2): 507-507.
RAN Shi-Yong, WANG Xiao-Ling, FU Wen-Bo, LAI Zhen-Hua, WANG Wei-Chi, LIU Xiao-Qing, MAI Zhen-Hong, LI Ming. Direct Observation of Histone-Induced DNA Shortening. Chin. Phys. Lett., 2006, 23(2): 507-507.
2006, Vol. 23 
