Chromatin structure and dynamics: lessons from single molecule approaches

Single-molecule approaches to understanding chromatin fiber structure and dynamics show the potential that these methods have for providing insights unachievable up to now. The atomic force microscope (AFM) studies have given new insights into the static chromatin structure, whereas the other single-molecule techniques—such as optical and magnetic tweezers—have revealed some dynamic features of the structure. The application of these methods to chromatin studies is still in its infancy, but it will undoubtedly constitute the research focus of more laboratories in the future.