Chromatin Preparation

Techniques and Tips for Accurate Results

Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins that packages DNA into a smaller volume to fit in the cell, helps to prevent DNA damage, and controls gene expression and DNA replication.

Isolation of chromatin samples allows researchers to accurately study protein-DNA interactions within the context of the genome.

Why Proper Techniques are Important

Improperly prepared chromatin may disrupt or alter the protein-DNA interactions that are being studied, leading to inaccurate or misleading results. If the chromatin isolation process is not carried out carefully, the chromatin may become contaminated with other cellular components, such as proteins and RNA, which can interfere with the protein-DNA interactions of interest. In addition, this process can alter the structure of the chromatin itself, which can also impact the protein-DNA interactions under investigation.

Therefore, it is essential to use proper techniques and controls when isolating chromatin in order to ensure that the results of the assay accurately reflect the protein-DNA interactions within the genome.

Recommended Techniques for Chromatin isolation

There are several methods for isolating chromatin, including formaldehyde crosslinking, sonication and micrococcal nuclease digestion, each of these methods have their own advantages and disadvantages.