Chromatin: Structure, Function, and History covers the basics of chromatin biology, beginning with the discoveries that culminated in the recognition of the nucleosome as the basic subunit of chromatin. Chromatin folding, nucleosome positioning, and histone variants are discussed, as well as research on chromatin modifications and remodeling, which exploded in the early to mid-1990s and led to widespread interest in epigenetics. Considerable attention is given to methods and experiments that led to key insights and recent developments such as the use of genome-wide approaches and innovations in imaging approaches are also emphasized.
By providing historical background together with detailed discussion of contemporary studies, the book aims to instill in the reader an appreciation not only of our current knowledge of chromatin structure and function, but also of the remarkable path that has taken chromatin to the forefront of modern research.
Table of Contents
Part I. Chromatin structure1. Early history
2. Unveiling the nucleosome
3. Chromatin folding
4. Nucleosome positioning
5. Histone variants
Part II. Chromatin function
6. Chromatin remodeling
7. Chromatin modifications
8. Chromatin and transcription
