DNA supercoiling, which occurs when coiling tension is generated ahead of the replication fork, is relieved by DNA gyrase. Supercoiling may also be involved in transcription regulation. Researchers discovered that enhancers operating over a long distance (2500 bp) are dependent on DNA supercoiling, while enhancers operating over shorter distances (110 bp) are not so dependent [Liu et al. (2001). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98:14,883–14,888]. Using a diagram, suggest a way in which supercoiling may positively influence enhancer activity over long distances.

Key Concepts

DNA Supercoiling

DNA supercoiling refers to the over- or under-winding of the DNA double helix, which occurs during processes like replication and transcription. This tension can affect the accessibility of DNA for various cellular processes. Positive supercoiling occurs ahead of the replication fork, while negative supercoiling can facilitate the unwinding of DNA, making it easier for enzymes to access the genetic material.

Enhancers

Enhancers are regulatory DNA sequences that can significantly increase the transcription of specific genes. They can function over long distances, often looping to interact with promoters, and their activity can be influenced by the spatial arrangement of DNA. The effectiveness of enhancers can vary based on their distance from the target gene, with long-distance enhancers being more reliant on structural features like DNA supercoiling.

DNA Gyrase

DNA gyrase is an enzyme that introduces negative supercoils into DNA, which helps relieve the tension generated during DNA replication and transcription. By altering the supercoiling state of DNA, gyrase plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the DNA molecule. This action is essential for processes that require the DNA to be unwound, such as replication and the binding of transcription factors to enhancers.