Using mathematical modelling to understand the role the linker histone dynamics in DNA packaging

Abstract

Nuclear proteins responsible for DNA packaging during the interphase of the cell cycle are highly mobile and their dynamics have a strong influence in the organization of the chromatic structure (DNA and associated proteins). In this talk, we will describe how mathematical modelling together with fluorescence microscopy experiments can be used to further the understanding of certain aspects of DNA packaging. In particular, we will describe the spatio-temporal dynamics of linker histones, nuclear proteins that play a major role in DNA packaging, with different mathematical models that are used to explain fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experimental data. This analysis allows us to conclude that it is possible to describe feasible mechanisms of association of linker histones to the chromatin structure and therefore further our understanding of the role of the dynamics of these proteins in DNA packaging.