De novo reconstitution of chromatin using wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis.

Abstract

DNA is packaged with histones to form chromatin that impinges on all nuclear processes, including transcription, replication and repair, in the eukaryotic nucleus. A complete understanding of these molecular processes requires analysis of chromatin context in vitro. Here, Drosophila four core histones were produced in a native and unmodified form using wheat germ cell‐free protein synthesis. In the assembly reaction, four unpurified core histones and three chromatin assembly factors (dNAP‐1, dAcf1 and dISWI) were incubated with template DNA. We then assessed stoichiometry with the histones, nucleosome arrays, supercoiling and the ability of the chromatin to serve as a substrate for histone‐modifying enzymes. Overall, our method provides a new avenue to produce chromatin that can be useful in a wide range of chromatin research.