Linker histone H1.0 loads onto nucleosomes through multiple pathways that are facilitated by histone chaperones.

Linker histone H1.0 loads onto nucleosomes via multiple pathways facilitated by chaperones, with chaperones significantly enhancing nucleosome targeting and loading efficiency.

• Why it matters: Understanding how H1.0 dynamically interacts with nucleosomes is crucial for revealing mechanisms of chromatin compaction and gene regulation, yet these pathways remain unclear.
• What they did: Using single-molecule techniques, the study examined H1.0 interactions with DNA and nucleosomes, showing that H1.0 prefers nucleosomes but does not load onto them directly without assistance.
• The result: Chaperones promote H1.0 loading by enabling DNA sliding and increasing mobility, which facilitates targeting the nucleosome dyad, thereby revealing multiple mechanisms controlling chromatin accessibility.