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. 1995 Feb 2;128(4):445–454. doi: 10.1083/jcb.128.4.445

A novel cis-acting centromeric DNA element affects S. pombe centromeric chromatin structure at a distance

PMCID: PMC2199894  PMID: 7860624

Abstract

The chromatin structure of the central core region of Schizosaccharomyces pombe centromeric DNA is unusual. This distinctive chromatin structure is associated only with central core sequences in a functional context and is modulated by a novel cis-acting DNA element (centromere enhancer) within the functionally critical K centromeric repeat, which is found in multiple copies in all three S. pombe centromeres. The centromere enhancer alters central core chromatin structure from a distance and in an orientation-independent manner without altering the nucleosomal packaging of sequences between the enhancer and the central core. These findings suggest a functionally relevant structural interaction between the enhancer and the centromeric central core brought about by DNA looping.

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Selected References

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