Targeted modification of chromatin structure

Abstract

Methods and compositions for targeted modification of chromatin structure, within a region of interest in cellular chromatin, are provided. Such methods and compositions are useful for facilitating processes such as, for example, transcription and recombination, that require access of exogenous molecules to chromosomal DNA sequences.

1 . A polynucleotide encoding a fusion polypeptide, wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises: 
 (a) a DNA-binding domain; and    (b) a component of a chromatin remodeling complex or a functional fragment thereof.    
     
     
         2 . A cell comprising the polynucleotide of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         3 . The polynucleotide of  claim 1 , wherein the DNA-binding domain is a zinc finger DNA-binding domain.  
     
     
         4 . The polynucleotide of  claim 1 , wherein the component of a chromatin remodeling complex is an enzymatic component.  
     
     
         5 . The polynucleotide of  claim 4 , wherein the enzymatic component of a chromatin remodeling complex is selected from the group consisting of a histone acetyl transferase, a histone deacetylase, a DNA methyl transferase and an ATPase.  
     
     
         6 . The polynucleotide of  claim 4 , wherein the enzymatic component of a chromatin remodeling complex is selected from the group consisting of a SWI/SNF complex family member, a Mi-2 complex family member, an ISWI complex family member, a BRM family member, a BRG/BAF complex family member, a Mot-1 complex family member, a Chd-1 family member, a Chd-2 family member, a Chd-3 family member and a Chd-4 family member.  
     
     
         7 . The polynucleotide of  claim 1 , wherein the component of a chromatin remodeling complex is a non-enzymatic component.