2024: A “nucleoid space” odyssey featuring H‐NS

BioEssays, vol. 46, pp. e2400098

Abstract

The three-dimensional architecture of the bacterial chromosome is intertwined with genome processes such as transcription and replication. Conspicuously so, that the structure of the chromosome permits accurate prediction of active genome processes. Although appreciation of this interplay has developed rapidly in the past two decades, our understanding of this subject is still in its infancy, with research primarily focusing on how the process of transcription regulates and is regulated by chromosome structure. Here, we summarize the latest developments in the field with a focus on the interplay between chromosome structure and transcription in Escherichia coli (E. coli) as mediated by H-NS-a model nucleoid structuring protein. We describe how the organization of chromosomes at the global and local scales is dependent on transcription, and how transcription is regulated by chromosome structure. Finally, we take note of studies that highlight our limited knowledge of structure-function relationships in the chromosome, and we point out research tracks that will improve our insight in the topic.

Authors 2

1. Fatema‐Zahra M. Rashid corresponding Aachen Centre for Interdisciplinary Genome Research Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands Centre for Microbial Cell Biology Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands Macromolecular Biochemistry

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Centre for Interdisciplinary Genome Research Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands

   Centre for Microbial Cell Biology Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands

   Macromolecular Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands

2. Remus Thei Dame corresponding Aachen Centre for Interdisciplinary Genome Research Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands Centre for Microbial Cell Biology Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands Macromolecular Biochemistry

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Centre for Interdisciplinary Genome Research Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands

   Centre for Microbial Cell Biology Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands

   Macromolecular Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands