Role of chromatin/epigenetic modifications on DNA accessibility.

ABSTRACT

From a therapeutic, and more precisely a DNA-drug interactions point of view, multiple factors can regulate DNA accessibility. In addition to various levels of chromatin compaction described in this review, DNA modifications such as methylation, the presence of specific DNA-binding proteins and chromatin-associated proteins, and, as was shown more recently, noncoding RNA can also contribute. The present review will discuss the importance of these epigenetic factors in modulating drug binding to DNA and the potential design of new therapeutic regimens aimed at improving DNA targeting.