Mapping the structure of macromolecular assemblies by combining chemical modification and separation methods.

ABSTRACT

Several examples will be described in which powerful separation methods are combined with relatively simple chemical modification techniques to provide structural information on complex macromolecular assemblies. Ribosomal RNA structure has been examined by crosslinking, separating individual crosslinked species by gel electrophoresis, and enzymatic methods for determination of crosslink positions in the nucleotide sequence. Chromatin structure has been examined by footprinting the location of individual nucleosomes by a combination of chemical nicking and DNA separations. Virus structure can be examined by using breakable crosslinkers analyzed with diagonal gel electrophoresis. Ultimately such methods may allow structural information to be obtained on systems even as complex as whole chromosomes.