Nucleoprotein gel electrophoresis for the analysis of nucleosomes and their positioning and mobility on DNA

Nucleoprotein gel electrophoresis, as well as its use in chromatin research, is reviewed from its early application in the characterization of native nucleosome composition to current uses in analyzing transcription factor-nucleosome complexes and in visualizing multiple nucleosome positioning. Despite our incomplete understanding of the principles behind the separation of particles in native polyacrylamide gels, powerful new applications of the method have emerged in recent years. This offers the potential for novel experimental strategies, such as those that have led to the discovery of nucleosome mobility. (C) 1997 Academic Press.