Long CCG triplet repeat blocks exclude nucleosomes: A possible mechanism for the nature of fragile sites in chromosomes

The rare folate-sensitive, fragile sites on chromosomes X, 11, and 16 contain blocks of CCG triplet repeats and large expansions of the CCG block at the FRAXA site produce the fragile X syndrome (FraX). The fragile, poorly staining nature of these sites suggested an altered chromatin structure. Here, repeating CCG DNAs from FraX patients were tested for their ability to assemble into nucleosomes, the basic subunits of chromatin, using in vitro nucleosome reconstitution, electron microscopy and competitive assembly gel retardation assays. CCG blocks of >50 repeats displayed strong nucleosome exclusion, providing a possible explanation for the nature of these sites. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited