Modification of chromatin has emerged as a central mechanism of gene regulation in eukaryotic cells. Using a
novel in vivo gene array, we have demonstrated the direct interaction of transcription factors with gene targets in living cells (Science 287, 1262 [2000]). This system provides a powerful new real time approach to study factors that modify chromatin structure. A fellowship is available to study activities involved in the reorganization of nucleoprotein structure by steroid/nuclear receptors. We will study several aspects of chromatin modification, including acetylation, methylation, and nucleosome destablization by the ATP-dependent swi/snf family. Factor interactions will be characterized by a direct in vivo gene targeting approach, coupled with in vitro reconstitution of specific chromatin modifications. |