Special Issue on The Function of Chromatin

Chromatin is the combination of DNA and proteins that make up the contents of the nucleus of a cell. The primary functions of chromatin are 1) to package DNA into a smaller volume to fit in the cell, 2) to strengthen the DNA to allow mitosis, 3) to prevent DNA damage, and 4) to control gene expression and DNA replication. The primary protein components of chromatin are histones that compact the DNA. Chromatin is only found in eukaryotic cells: prokaryotic cells have a very different organization of their DNA which is referred to as a genophore (a chromosome without chromatin). The structure of chromatin depends on several factors. The overall structure depends on the stage of the cell cycle: during interphase the chromatin is structurally loose to allow access to RNA and DNA polymerases that transcribe and replicate the DNA. There are, however, many cells which do not follow this organisation. For example, spermatozoa and avian red blood cells have more tightly packed chromatin than most eukaryotic cells, and trypanosomatid protozoa do not condense their chromatin into visible chromosomes for mitosis. As one of the most important research fields of human life, the function of chromatin is of great attractions to researchers.

In this special issue, we intend to invite front-line researchers and authors to submit original researches and review articles on exploring the function of chromatin. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Mitosis control
• DNA package
• Consist of histones
• Heterochromatin of nucleus
• Chromatin modifications
• Chromatin remodeling
• Chromatin dynamics

Authors should read over the journal’s Authors’ Guidelines carefully before submission. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal at Paper Submission System.

Please kindly notice that the “Special Issue” under your manuscript title is supposed to be specified and the research field “Special Issue - The Function of Chromatin” should be chosen during your submission.

According to the following timetable:

Guest Editor:

Prof. Jinfu Wang

Zhejiang University, China

For further questions or inquiries

Please contact Editorial Assistant at

abb@scirp.org