Nucleosome (NCP) (NCP)

Nucleosomes are the fundamental structural units of eukaryotic chromatin, consisting of approximately 147 base pairs of DNA wrapped around an octamer of core histone proteins (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) [1.5.1]. They serve as the primary scaffold for DNA packaging within the nucleus, facilitating the compaction of the genome while regulating access for transcription, replication, and repair machinery [1.4.2]. In oncology, the epigenetic state of nucleosomes is frequently dysregulated, leading to aberrant gene expression patterns that drive tumor progression [1.3.2]. Consequently, nucleosomes are the functional targets of epigenetic drugs such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and histone methyltransferase inhibitors, which modify the chemical state of the histone tails [1.2.3, 1.3.3]. Beyond the nucleus, nucleosomes are released into the systemic circulation during cell death and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, where they act as potent damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) [1.2.1, 1.2.4]. These circulating nucleosomes contribute to the pathophysiology of sepsis, autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, and severe viral infections by inducing inflammation and thrombosis [1.1.2, 1.2.1]. Therapeutic interventions include the use of DNase to degrade extracellular chromatin and the development of neutralizing antibodies to mitigate the toxic effects of circulating nucleosomes [1.2.1].

Other names

Nucleosome core particleChromatosomeExtracellular nucleosomeCirculating nucleosomeNCP

Epigenetic modulation of histone tails, neutralization of extracellular DAMPs, and enzymatic degradation of chromatin-associated DNA.