Single-molecule imaging reveals DNA shape read-out by the INO80 chromatin remodeler.

DNA shape features at promoters and origins of replication guide INO80 chromatin remodeler binding and activity, with 1D searches and intersegmental transfers facilitating nucleosome positioning.

• Why it matters: Understanding how chromatin remodelers like INO80 locate and modify specific genomic regions is crucial for deciphering gene regulation and replication processes, yet the mechanisms remain unclear.
• What they did: Using single-molecule DNA curtains, the study observed INO80 interactions with DNA, nucleosomes, and barrier proteins, revealing that DNA shape features regulate INO80’s binding and remodeling, and that INO80 employs 1D searches and transfers but cannot bypass obstacles.
• The result: These insights demonstrate that DNA shape recognition and molecular barriers confine INO80 activity within promoters, enhancing its ability to precisely organize chromatin architecture and influence gene expression and replication.