In: Biology
I discovered a new transcription activator (a protein that binds a specific DNA sequence at promoters of genes) and helps bring in the SWI/SNF complex to the promoters of 200 genes. What would be the affect on chromatin organization and gene expression at these genes if I mutate the transcription activator such that it no longer is able to bind DNA?
Answer: SWI/SNF (SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable) complex is ATP dependent chromatin remodeling complex that causes nucleosome rearrangements and allow RNA polymerase and other regulatory proteins to access the chromatin easily and binds to promoter, leading to expression of genes in that region. If a transcription activator that helps to recruit SWI/SNF complex to the promoter of 200 genes is mutated, the expression of those 200 genes does not occur. This is because SWI/SNF (SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable) complex are not recruited to the promoter by mutated transcription activator and the complex is unable to bind to the promoter to cause nucleosome rearrangements, leading non-exposure of binding sites for RNA polymerase and other regulatory proteins on the chromatin. As the RNA polymerase and other regulatory proteins are not able to access the chromatin and binds to the promoter, the expression of 200 genes will not occur.