Bacterial chromosomes are folded to compact DNA and facilitate cellular processes. Studying model bacteria has revealed aspects of chromosome folding that are applicable to many species. Primarily controlled by nucleoid-associated proteins, chromosome folding is hierarchical, from large-scale macrodomains to smaller-scale structures that influence DNA transactions, including replication and transcription. Here we review the environmentally regulated, architectural and regulatory roles of nucleoid-associated proteins and the implications for bacterial cell biology. We also highlight similarities and differences in the chromosome folding mechanisms of bacteria and eukaryotes.

Genomic studies often rely on individual-based consent approaches for tribal members residing outside of their communities. This consent model fails to acknowledge the risks to small groups such as tribes, which can implicate the community as a whole. Genomic studies often rely on individual-based consent approaches for tribal members residing outside of their communities. Tsosie et al. argue that this consent model fails to acknowledge the risks to small groups such as tribes, which can implicate the community as a whole.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

In Box 4 of the originally published article, the text describing the Miami plot in part c of the figure contained some minor errors. Specifically, during pre-publication revision of the article, the authors updated the illustrative Miami plot (shown in figure part c) from that of reference 80 (Randall et al. PLoS Genet. (2013)) to a more recent study in reference 82 (Winkler et al. PLoS Genet. (2015)). The box text has now been updated to reflect that change. In paragraph 2, the trait has been updated from “hip circumference adjusted for body mass index” to “waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (under 50 years old)” and it has been clarified that female GWAS data are shown on the top half of the plot with male data at the bottom. The original two citations of reference 80 in the Box 4 text have been updated to reference 82. Finally, a typographical artefact was corrected on the Y axis of the Miami plot, whereby the labels ‘14’ and ‘16’ in the top half of the plot we originally both shown as ‘12’. None of these corrections alter the overall illustrative point that genetic architectures for traits can differ between males and females, which was a conclusion of both reference 80 and reference 82.

A new genome editing strategy called prime editing uses a catalytically impaired Cas9 fused to an engineered reverse transcriptase to write desired genetic sequence information directly into a target locus.

Author Correction

For genomics to fulfil its potential of improving human health, diversity and inclusion must be recognized as essential catalysts of research success.