Nucleosome chaperones facilitate both nucleosome assembly and disassembly

Chromatin modification enhances transcription by targeting DNA-protein interactions involved in nucleosome formation. We focus on specific disruptions due to the histone chaperone proteins FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) and HDGF2 (hepatoma-derived growth factor 2). While both proteins facilitate transcription, FACT is active in undifferentiated cells, while HDGF2 is effective in differentiated cells. Combined atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical tweezers (OT) and single molecule fluorescence (SMF) experiments yield nucleosomal stability and dynamics information related to the affinity and function of FACT, HDGF2 as well as component domains.