Roles of histones and nucleosomes in gene transcription

This article reviews the latest research developments in the field of eukar yotic gene regulation by the structural alterations of chromatin and nucleo somes. The following issues are briefly addressed: ( i ) nucleosome and his tone modifications by both the ATP-dependent remodeling complexes and the h istone acetyltransferases and their roles in gene activation; ( ii ) compet itive binding of histones and transcription factors on gene promoters, and transcription repression by nucleosomes; and (iii) influences of linker his tone H1 on gene regulation. Meanwhile, the significance and impact of these new research progresses, as well as issues worthwhile for further study ar e commented.