Analysis of nucleosome transcription using single-particle FRET

Alexey V. Feofanov, Kseniya S. Kudryashova, Oleg V. Chertkov, Dmitry V. Nikitin, Nikolai A. Pestov, Olga I. Kulaeva, Vasily M. Studitsky, Mikhail P. Kirpichnikov

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many biological reactions including transcription of a gene are too complex and heterogeneous to be understood by studying ensembles of interacting molecules. In these cases analysis of single complexes can clarify structural and dynamic aspects of these processes. Here we report that single-particle Förster resonance energy transfer (spFRET) microscopy is applicable to investigation of transcription through nucleosomes by an RNA polymerase. Mononucleosomes that support transcription were assembled from core histones and short DNA containing the T7A1 promoter and strong 603 nucleosome-positioning sequence. Fluorophores (Cy3 and Cy5) were introduced in the neighboring coils of nucleosome DNA in spatially close positions without disturbance of nucleosomal structure or transcription. Such labeling allows the changes in the Cy3–Cy5 distance caused by DNA uncoiling from the octamer or DNA looping to be monitored as changes in FRET efficiency. spFRET measurements for freely diffusing single nucleosomes were conducted using a laser scanning confocal microscope equipped with avalanche photodiodes. Nucleosome subpopulations that differ in FRET efficiency (i.e. in nucleosome structure) were revealed. RNA polymerase was stalled in distinct positions on the nucleosomal DNA during transcription, and the structures of these complexes were characterized with spFRET microscopy.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2nd International Multidisciplinary Microscopy and Microanalysis Congress - Proceedings of InterM, INTERM 2014
EditorsE.K. Polychroniadis, Ahmet Yavuz Oral, Mehmet Ozer
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media, LLC
Pages255-260
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9783319169187
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Event2nd International Multidisciplinary Microscopy and Microanalysis Congress and Exhibition, INTERM 2014 - Oludeniz, Turkey
Duration: Oct 16 2014Oct 19 2014

Publication series

NameSpringer Proceedings in Physics
Volume164
ISSN (Print)0930-8989
ISSN (Electronic)1867-4941

Conference

Conference2nd International Multidisciplinary Microscopy and Microanalysis Congress and Exhibition, INTERM 2014
Country/TerritoryTurkey
CityOludeniz
Period10/16/1410/19/14

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