1
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Tsukamoto S, Mofrad MRK. Bridging scales in chromatin organization: Computational models of loop formation and their implications for genome function. J Chem Phys 2025; 162:054122. [PMID: 39918128 DOI: 10.1063/5.0232328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 11/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2025] Open
Abstract
Chromatin loop formation plays a crucial role in 3D genome interactions, with misfolding potentially leading to irregular gene expression and various diseases. While experimental tools such as Hi-C have advanced our understanding of genome interactions, the biophysical principles underlying chromatin loop formation remain elusive. This review examines computational approaches to chromatin folding, focusing on polymer models that elucidate chromatin loop mechanics. We discuss three key models: (1) the multi-loop-subcompartment model, which investigates the structural effects of loops on chromatin conformation; (2) the strings and binders switch model, capturing thermodynamic chromatin aggregation; and (3) the loop extrusion model, revealing the role of structural maintenance of chromosome complexes. In addition, we explore advanced models that address chromatin clustering heterogeneity in biological processes and disease progression. The review concludes with an outlook on open questions and current trends in chromatin loop formation and genome interactions, emphasizing the physical and computational challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Tsukamoto
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, 208A Stanley Hall, Berkeley, California 94720-1762, USA
| | - Mohammad R K Mofrad
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, 208A Stanley Hall, Berkeley, California 94720-1762, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrative BioImaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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2
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Bammidi LS, Gayen S. Multifaceted role of CTCF in X-chromosome inactivation. Chromosoma 2024; 133:217-231. [PMID: 39433641 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-024-00826-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 10/02/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024]
Abstract
Therian female mammals compensate for the dosage of X-linked gene expression by inactivating one of the X-chromosomes. X-inactivation is facilitated by the master regulator Xist long non-coding RNA, which coats the inactive-X and facilitates heterochromatinization through recruiting different chromatin modifiers and changing the X-chromosome 3D conformation. However, many mechanistic aspects behind the X-inactivation process remain poorly understood. Among the many contributing players, CTCF has emerged as one of the key players in orchestrating various aspects related to X-chromosome inactivation by interacting with several other protein and RNA partners. In general, CTCF is a well-known architectural protein, which plays an important role in chromatin organization and transcriptional regulation. Here, we provide significant insight into the role of CTCF in orchestrating X-chromosome inactivation and highlight future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Sowjanya Bammidi
- Chromatin RNA and Genome (CRG) Lab, Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Srimonta Gayen
- Chromatin RNA and Genome (CRG) Lab, Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.
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3
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Solovei I, Mirny L. Spandrels of the cell nucleus. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 90:102421. [PMID: 39180905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
S.J. Gould and R. Lewontin in their famous "Spandrels paper" (1979) argued that many anatomical elements arise in evolution not due to their "current utility" but rather due to other "reasons for origin", such as other developmental processes, physical constraints and mechanical forces. Here, in the same spirit, we argue that a variety of molecular processes, physical constraints, and mechanical forces, alone or together, generate structures that are detectable in the cell nucleus, yet these structures themselves may not carry any specific function, being a mere reflection of processes that produced them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Solovei
- Biocenter, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Leonid Mirny
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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4
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Ye JC, Heng HH. The New Era of Cancer Cytogenetics and Cytogenomics. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2825:3-37. [PMID: 38913301 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3946-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The promises of the cancer genome sequencing project, combined with various -omics technologies, have raised questions about the importance of cancer cytogenetic analyses. It is suggested that DNA sequencing provides high resolution, speed, and automation, potentially replacing cytogenetic testing. We disagree with this reductionist prediction. On the contrary, various sequencing projects have unexpectedly challenged gene theory and highlighted the importance of the genome or karyotype in organizing gene network interactions. Consequently, profiling the karyotype can be more meaningful than solely profiling gene mutations, especially in cancer where karyotype alterations mediate cellular macroevolution dominance. In this chapter, recent studies that illustrate the ultimate importance of karyotype in cancer genomics and evolution are briefly reviewed. In particular, the long-ignored non-clonal chromosome aberrations or NCCAs are linked to genome or chromosome instability, genome chaos is linked to genome reorganization under cellular crisis, and the two-phased cancer evolution reconciles the relationship between genome alteration-mediated punctuated macroevolution and gene mutation-mediated stepwise microevolution. By further synthesizing, the concept of karyotype coding is discussed in the context of information management. Altogether, we call for a new era of cancer cytogenetics and cytogenomics, where an array of technical frontiers can be explored further, which is crucial for both basic research and clinical implications in the cancer field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Christine Ye
- Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Henry H Heng
- Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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5
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Peeters SB, Posynick BJ, Brown CJ. Out of the Silence: Insights into How Genes Escape X-Chromosome Inactivation. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:29. [PMID: 38131901 PMCID: PMC10742877 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7040029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The silencing of all but one X chromosome in mammalian cells is a remarkable epigenetic process leading to near dosage equivalence in X-linked gene products between the sexes. However, equally remarkable is the ability of a subset of genes to continue to be expressed from the otherwise inactive X chromosome-in some cases constitutively, while other genes are variable between individuals, tissues or cells. In this review we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the approaches that have been used to identify escapees. The identity of escapees provides important clues to mechanisms underlying escape from XCI, an arena of study now moving from correlation to functional studies. As most escapees show greater expression in females, the not-so-inactive X chromosome is a substantial contributor to sex differences in humans, and we highlight some examples of such impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carolyn J. Brown
- Molecular Epigenetics Group, Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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6
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Keniry A, Blewitt ME. Chromatin-mediated silencing on the inactive X chromosome. Development 2023; 150:dev201742. [PMID: 37991053 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the second X chromosome in females is silenced to enable dosage compensation between XX females and XY males. This essential process involves the formation of a dense chromatin state on the inactive X (Xi) chromosome. There is a wealth of information about the hallmarks of Xi chromatin and the contribution each makes to silencing, leaving the tantalising possibility of learning from this knowledge to potentially remove silencing to treat X-linked diseases in females. Here, we discuss the role of each chromatin feature in the establishment and maintenance of the silent state, which is of crucial relevance for such a goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Keniry
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Marnie E Blewitt
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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7
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Senapati S, Irshad IU, Sharma AK, Kumar H. Fundamental insights into the correlation between chromosome configuration and transcription. Phys Biol 2023; 20:051002. [PMID: 37467757 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ace8e5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic chromosomes exhibit a hierarchical organization that spans a spectrum of length scales, ranging from sub-regions known as loops, which typically comprise hundreds of base pairs, to much larger chromosome territories that can encompass a few mega base pairs. Chromosome conformation capture experiments that involve high-throughput sequencing methods combined with microscopy techniques have enabled a new understanding of inter- and intra-chromosomal interactions with unprecedented details. This information also provides mechanistic insights on the relationship between genome architecture and gene expression. In this article, we review the recent findings on three-dimensional interactions among chromosomes at the compartment, topologically associating domain, and loop levels and the impact of these interactions on the transcription process. We also discuss current understanding of various biophysical processes involved in multi-layer structural organization of chromosomes. Then, we discuss the relationships between gene expression and genome structure from perturbative genome-wide association studies. Furthermore, for a better understanding of how chromosome architecture and function are linked, we emphasize the role of epigenetic modifications in the regulation of gene expression. Such an understanding of the relationship between genome architecture and gene expression can provide a new perspective on the range of potential future discoveries and therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayamshree Senapati
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, Argul, Odisha 752050, India
| | - Inayat Ullah Irshad
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Jammu, Jammu 181221, India
| | - Ajeet K Sharma
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Jammu, Jammu 181221, India
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, Jammu 181221, India
| | - Hemant Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, Argul, Odisha 752050, India
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8
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Poonperm R, Ichihara S, Miura H, Tanigawa A, Nagao K, Obuse C, Sado T, Hiratani I. Replication dynamics identifies the folding principles of the inactive X chromosome. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1224-1237. [PMID: 37563439 PMCID: PMC10442229 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Chromosome-wide late replication is an enigmatic hallmark of the inactive X chromosome (Xi). How it is established and what it represents remains obscure. By single-cell DNA replication sequencing, here we show that the entire Xi is reorganized to replicate rapidly and uniformly in late S-phase during X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), reflecting its relatively uniform structure revealed by 4C-seq. Despite this uniformity, only a subset of the Xi became earlier replicating in SmcHD1-mutant cells. In the mutant, these domains protruded out of the Xi core, contacted each other and became transcriptionally reactivated. 4C-seq suggested that they constituted the outermost layer of the Xi even before XCI and were rich in escape genes. We propose that this default positioning forms the basis for their inherent heterochromatin instability in cells lacking the Xi-binding protein SmcHD1 or exhibiting XCI escape. These observations underscore the importance of 3D genome organization for heterochromatin stability and gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawin Poonperm
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan
| | - Saya Ichihara
- Department of Advanced Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
- Cell Architecture Laboratory, Department of Chromosome Science, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hisashi Miura
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan
| | - Akie Tanigawa
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan
| | - Koji Nagao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Chikashi Obuse
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Sado
- Department of Advanced Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
- Agricultural Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Kindai University, Nara, Japan
| | - Ichiro Hiratani
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan.
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9
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Heng E, Thanedar S, Heng HH. Challenges and Opportunities for Clinical Cytogenetics in the 21st Century. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:493. [PMID: 36833419 PMCID: PMC9956237 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The powerful utilities of current DNA sequencing technology question the value of developing clinical cytogenetics any further. By briefly reviewing the historical and current challenges of cytogenetics, the new conceptual and technological platform of the 21st century clinical cytogenetics is presented. Particularly, the genome architecture theory (GAT) has been used as a new framework to emphasize the importance of clinical cytogenetics in the genomic era, as karyotype dynamics play a central role in information-based genomics and genome-based macroevolution. Furthermore, many diseases can be linked to elevated levels of genomic variations within a given environment. With karyotype coding in mind, new opportunities for clinical cytogenetics are discussed to integrate genomics back into cytogenetics, as karyotypic context represents a new type of genomic information that organizes gene interactions. The proposed research frontiers include: 1. focusing on karyotypic heterogeneity (e.g., classifying non-clonal chromosome aberrations (NCCAs), studying mosaicism, heteromorphism, and nuclear architecture alteration-mediated diseases), 2. monitoring the process of somatic evolution by characterizing genome instability and illustrating the relationship between stress, karyotype dynamics, and diseases, and 3. developing methods to integrate genomic data and cytogenomics. We hope that these perspectives can trigger further discussion beyond traditional chromosomal analyses. Future clinical cytogenetics should profile chromosome instability-mediated somatic evolution, as well as the degree of non-clonal chromosomal aberrations that monitor the genomic system's stress response. Using this platform, many common and complex disease conditions, including the aging process, can be effectively and tangibly monitored for health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Heng
- Stanford University, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sanjana Thanedar
- Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Henry H. Heng
- Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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10
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Matveevsky S, Bakloushinskaya I, Tambovtseva V, Atsaeva M, Grishaeva T, Bogdanov A, Kolomiets O. Nonhomologous Chromosome Interactions in Prophase I: Dynamics of Bizarre Meiotic Contacts in the Alay Mole Vole Ellobius alaicus (Mammalia, Rodentia). Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122196. [PMID: 36553461 PMCID: PMC9778597 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonhomologous chromosome interactions take place in both somatic and meiotic cells. Prior to this study, we had discovered special contacts through the SYCP3 (synaptonemal complex protein 3) filament between the short arms of nonhomologous acrocentrics at the pachytene stage in the Alay mole vole, and these contacts demonstrate several patterns from proximity to the complete fusion stage. Here, we investigated the nonhomologous chromosome contacts in meiotic prophase I. It turned out that such contacts do not introduce changes into the classic distribution of DNA double-strand breaks. It is noteworthy that not all meiotic contacts were localized in the H3k9me3-positive heterochromatic environment. Both in the mid zygotene and in the early-mid diplotene, three types of contacts (proximity, touching, and anchoring/tethering) were observed, whereas fusion seems to be characteristic only for pachytene. The number of contacts in the mid pachytene is significantly higher than that in the zygotene, and the distance between centromeres in nonhomologous contacts is also the smallest in mid pachytene for all types of contacts. Thus, this work provides a new insight into the behavior of meiotic contacts during prophase I and points to avenues of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Matveevsky
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Irina Bakloushinskaya
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentina Tambovtseva
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maret Atsaeva
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Cell Biology, Morphology and Microbiology, Chechen State University, 364024 Grozny, Russia
| | - Tatiana Grishaeva
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksey Bogdanov
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oxana Kolomiets
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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11
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Wittmeier A, Bernhardt M, Robisch AL, Cassini C, Osterhoff M, Salditt T, Köster S. Combined optical fluorescence microscopy and X-ray tomography reveals substructures in cell nuclei in 3D. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 13:4954-4969. [PMID: 36187264 PMCID: PMC9484410 DOI: 10.1364/boe.462493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The function of a biological cell is fundamentally defined by the structural architecture of packaged DNA in the nucleus. Elucidating information about the packaged DNA is facilitated by high-resolution imaging. Here, we combine and correlate hard X-ray propagation-based phase contrast tomography and visible light confocal microscopy in three dimensions to probe DNA in whole cell nuclei of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. In this way, unlabeled and fluorescently labeled substructures within the cell are visualized in a complementary manner. Our approach enables the quantification of the electron density, volume and optical fluorescence intensity of nuclear material. By joining all of this information, we are able to spatially localize and physically characterize both active and inactive heterochromatin, euchromatin, pericentric heterochromatin foci and nucleoli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wittmeier
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marten Bernhardt
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Robisch
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Chiara Cassini
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Osterhoff
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tim Salditt
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Köster
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany
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12
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Dossin F, Heard E. The Molecular and Nuclear Dynamics of X-Chromosome Inactivation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2022; 14:a040196. [PMID: 34312245 PMCID: PMC9121902 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a040196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In female eutherian mammals, dosage compensation of X-linked gene expression is achieved during development through transcriptional silencing of one of the two X chromosomes. Following X chromosome inactivation (XCI), the inactive X chromosome remains faithfully silenced throughout somatic cell divisions. XCI is dependent on Xist, a long noncoding RNA that coats and silences the X chromosome from which it is transcribed. Xist coating triggers a cascade of chromosome-wide changes occurring at the levels of transcription, chromatin composition, chromosome structure, and spatial organization within the nucleus. XCI has emerged as a paradigm for the study of such crucial nuclear processes and the dissection of their functional interplay. In the past decade, the advent of tools to characterize and perturb these processes have provided an unprecedented understanding into their roles during XCI. The mechanisms orchestrating the initiation of XCI as well as its maintenance are thus being unraveled, although many questions still remain. Here, we introduce key aspects of the XCI process and review the recent discoveries about its molecular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Dossin
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Director's Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Edith Heard
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Director's Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
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13
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Mammel AE, Huang HZ, Gunn AL, Choo E, Hatch EM. Chromosome length and gene density contribute to micronuclear membrane stability. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:e202101210. [PMID: 34789512 PMCID: PMC8605325 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Micronuclei are derived from missegregated chromosomes and frequently lose membrane integrity, leading to DNA damage, innate immune activation, and metastatic signaling. Here, we demonstrate that two characteristics of the trapped chromosome, length and gene density, are key contributors to micronuclei membrane stability and determine the timing of micronucleus rupture. We demonstrate that these results are not due to chromosome-specific differences in spindle position or initial protein recruitment during post-mitotic nuclear envelope assembly. Micronucleus size strongly correlates with lamin B1 levels and nuclear pore density in intact micronuclei, but, unexpectedly, lamin B1 levels do not completely predict nuclear lamina organization or membrane stability. Instead, small gene-dense micronuclei have decreased nuclear lamina gaps compared to large micronuclei, despite very low levels of lamin B1. Our data strongly suggest that nuclear envelope composition defects previously correlated with membrane rupture only partly explain membrane stability in micronuclei. We propose that an unknown factor linked to gene density has a separate function that inhibits the appearance of nuclear lamina gaps and delays membrane rupture until late in the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Mammel
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heather Z Huang
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amanda L Gunn
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emma Choo
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily M Hatch
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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14
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Gene regulation in time and space during X-chromosome inactivation. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:231-249. [PMID: 35013589 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is the epigenetic mechanism that ensures X-linked dosage compensation between cells of females (XX karyotype) and males (XY). XCI is essential for female embryos to survive through development and requires the accurate spatiotemporal regulation of many different factors to achieve remarkable chromosome-wide gene silencing. As a result of XCI, the active and inactive X chromosomes are functionally and structurally different, with the inactive X chromosome undergoing a major conformational reorganization within the nucleus. In this Review, we discuss the multiple layers of genetic and epigenetic regulation that underlie initiation of XCI during development and then maintain it throughout life, in light of the most recent findings in this rapidly advancing field. We discuss exciting new insights into the regulation of X inactive-specific transcript (XIST), the trigger and master regulator of XCI, and into the mechanisms and dynamics that underlie the silencing of nearly all X-linked genes. Finally, given the increasing interest in understanding the impact of chromosome organization on gene regulation, we provide an overview of the factors that are thought to reshape the 3D structure of the inactive X chromosome and of the relevance of such structural changes for XCI establishment and maintenance.
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15
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Knoch TA. Simulation of Different Three-Dimensional Models of Whole Interphase Nuclei Compared to Experiments - A Consistent Scale-Bridging Simulation Framework for Genome Organization. Results Probl Cell Differ 2022; 70:495-549. [PMID: 36348120 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06573-6_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The three-dimensional architecture of chromosomes, their arrangement, and dynamics within cell nuclei are still subject of debate. Obviously, the function of genomes-the storage, replication, and transcription of genetic information-has closely coevolved with this architecture and its dynamics, and hence are closely connected. In this work a scale-bridging framework investigates how of the 30 nm chromatin fibre organizes into chromosomes including their arrangement and morphology in the simulation of whole nuclei. Therefore, mainly two different topologies were simulated with corresponding parameter variations and comparing them to experiments: The Multi-Loop-Subcompartment (MLS) model, in which (stable) small loops form (stable) rosettes, connected by chromatin linkers, and the Random-Walk/Giant-Loop (RW/GL) model, in which large loops are attached to a flexible non-protein backbone, were simulated for various loop and linker sizes. The 30 nm chromatin fibre was modelled as a polymer chain with stretching, bending and excluded volume interactions. A spherical boundary potential simulated the confinement to nuclei with different radii. Simulated annealing and Brownian Dynamics methods were applied in a four-step decondensation procedure to generate from metaphase decondensated interphase configurations at thermodynamical equilibrium. Both the MLS and the RW/GL models form chromosome territories, with different morphologies: The MLS rosettes result in distinct subchromosomal domains visible in electron and confocal laser scanning microscopic images. In contrast, the big RW/GL loops lead to a mostly homogeneous chromatin distribution. Even small changes of the model parameters induced significant rearrangements of the chromatin morphology. The low overlap of chromosomes, arms, and subchromosomal domains observed in experiments agrees only with the MLS model. The chromatin density distribution in CLSM image stacks reveals a bimodal behaviour in agreement with recent experiments. Combination of these results with a variety of (spatial distance) measurements favour an MLS like model with loops and linkers of 63 to 126 kbp. The predicted large spaces between the chromatin fibres allow typically sized biological molecules to reach nearly every location in the nucleus by moderately obstructed diffusion and is in disagreement with the much simplified assumption that defined channels between territories for molecular transport as in the Interchromosomal Domain (ICD) hypothesis exist and are necessary for transport. All this is also in agreement with recent selective high-resolution chromosome interaction capture (T2C) experiments, the scaling behaviour of the DNA sequence, the dynamics of the chromatin fibre, the diffusion of molecules, and other measurements. Also all other chromosome topologies can in principle be excluded. In summary, polymer simulations of whole nuclei compared to experimental data not only clearly favour only a stable loop aggregate/rosette like genome architecture whose local topology is tightly connected to the global morphology and dynamics of the cell nucleus and hence can be used for understanding genome organization also in respect to diagnosis and treatment. This is in agreement with and also leads to a general novel framework of genome emergence, function, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias A Knoch
- Biophysical Genomics, TAKnoch Joined Operations Administrative Office, Mannheim, Germany.
- Human Ecology and Complex Systems, German Society for Human Ecology (DGH), TAKnoch Joined Operations Administrative Office, Mannheim, Germany.
- TAK Renewable Energy UG, TAKnoch Joined Operations Administrative Office, Mannheim, Germany.
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16
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When Down Is Up: Heterochromatin, Nuclear Organization and X Upregulation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123416. [PMID: 34943924 PMCID: PMC8700316 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms with highly differentiated sex chromosomes face an imbalance in X-linked gene dosage. Male Drosophila solve this problem by increasing expression from virtually every gene on their single X chromosome, a process known as dosage compensation. This involves a ribonucleoprotein complex that is recruited to active, X-linked genes to remodel chromatin and increase expression. Interestingly, the male X chromosome is also enriched for several proteins associated with heterochromatin. Furthermore, the polytenized male X is selectively disrupted by the loss of factors involved in repression, silencing, heterochromatin formation or chromatin remodeling. Mutations in many of these factors preferentially reduce male survival or enhance the lethality of mutations that prevent normal recognition of the X chromosome. The involvement of primarily repressive factors in a process that elevates expression has long been puzzling. Interestingly, recent work suggests that the siRNA pathway, often associated with heterochromatin formation and repression, also helps the dosage compensation machinery identify the X chromosome. In light of this finding, we revisit the evidence that links nuclear organization and heterochromatin to regulation of the male X chromosome.
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17
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de Castro IJ, Toner B, Xie SQ, Swingland J, Hodges A, Tabrizi SJ, Turkheimer F, Pombo A, Khalil A. Altered nuclear architecture in blood cells from Huntington's disease patients. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:379-385. [PMID: 33974169 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05289-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell nuclear architecture has been explored in cancer and laminopathies but not in neurodegenerative disorders. Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to neuronal death. Chromosome-wide changes in gene expression have been reported in HD, not only in the brain but also in peripheral blood cells, but whether this translates into nuclear and chromosome architecture alterations has not yet been studied. METHODS We investigate nuclear structure and chromosome organization in HD blood cells using fluorescence in situ hybridization in ultrathin cryosections (cryoFISH), coupled with machine learning image analysis to evaluate size, distribution, and morphology of nuclei and chromosomes. Four chromosomes were analyzed based on up- or downregulation of gene expression in HD. RESULTS We show that blood cells from HD patients display increased nuclear size and filamentary shape, increased size of gene-rich chromosome 19, decreased filamentary shape of gene-rich chromosome 22, and a more radially centralized position for chromosome 19, whereas chromosomes 4 and 5 do not show detectable differences. CONCLUSIONS We identify gross changes in nuclear architecture and chromosome organization associated with HD in blood. This adds a new layer of information onto disrupting mechanisms in HD and increases the potential of using blood to survey HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês J de Castro
- Genome Function Group, MRC London Institute for Medical Sciences, London, W12 0NN, UK. .,Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Architecture Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, 10115, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Integrative Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.
| | - Brian Toner
- CompuMAINE Lab, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA
| | - Sheila Q Xie
- Genome Function Group, MRC London Institute for Medical Sciences, London, W12 0NN, UK.,Chromatin and Development Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - James Swingland
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,GRIP AI, London, EC2A 3AZ, UK.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Angela Hodges
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- UCL Institute of Neurology, Box 104, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Queen Square, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Federico Turkheimer
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology and the UK Dementia Research Institute, UCL, London, UK
| | - Ana Pombo
- Genome Function Group, MRC London Institute for Medical Sciences, London, W12 0NN, UK.,Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Architecture Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Khalil
- CompuMAINE Lab, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA.
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18
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Sas-Nowosielska H, Magalska A. Long Noncoding RNAs-Crucial Players Organizing the Landscape of the Neuronal Nucleus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073478. [PMID: 33801737 PMCID: PMC8037058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to regulate chromatin organization is particularly important in neurons, which dynamically respond to external stimuli. Accumulating evidence shows that lncRNAs play important architectural roles in organizing different nuclear domains like inactive chromosome X, splicing speckles, paraspeckles, and Gomafu nuclear bodies. LncRNAs are abundantly expressed in the nervous system where they may play important roles in compartmentalization of the cell nucleus. In this review we will describe the architectural role of lncRNAs in the nuclei of neuronal cells.
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19
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Chromatin as an active polymeric material. Emerg Top Life Sci 2020; 4:111-118. [PMID: 32830859 DOI: 10.1042/etls20200010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The patterns of the large-scale spatial organization of chromatin in interphase human somatic cells are not random. Such patterns include the radial separation of euchromatin and heterochromatin, the territorial organization of individual chromosomes, the non-random locations of chromosome territories and the differential positioning of the two X chromosomes in female cells. These features of large-scale nuclear architecture follow naturally from the hypothesis that ATP-consuming non-equilibrium processes associated with highly transcribed regions of chromosomes are a source of 'active' forces. These forces are in excess of those that arise from Brownian motion. Simulations of model chromosomes that incorporate such activity recapitulate these features. In addition, they reproduce many other aspects of the spatial organization of chromatin at large scales that are known from experiments. Our results, reviewed here, suggest that the distribution of transcriptional activity across chromosomes underlies many aspects of large-scale nuclear architecture that were hitherto believed to be unrelated.
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20
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Abstract
Current methods for chromosome painting via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are costly, time-consuming, and limited in complexity. In contrast to conventional sources of probe, Oligopaints are computationally designed, synthesized on microarrays, and amplified by PCR. This approach allows for precise control over the sequences they target, which can range from a few kilobases to entire chromosomes with the same basic protocol. We have utilized the flexibility and scalability of Oligopaints to generate low-cost and renewable chromosome paints for Drosophila, mouse, and human chromosomes. These Oligopaint libraries can be customized to label any genomic feature(s) in a chromosome-wide manner. Additionally, this method is compatible with sequential FISH to label entire genomes with a single denaturation step. Here, we outline a protocol and considerations to scale the Oligopaint technology for fluorescent labeling of whole chromosomes.
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21
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Agrawal A, Ganai N, Sengupta S, Menon GI. Nonequilibrium Biophysical Processes Influence the Large-Scale Architecture of the Cell Nucleus. Biophys J 2019; 118:2229-2244. [PMID: 31818465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Model approaches to nuclear architecture have traditionally ignored the biophysical consequences of ATP-fueled active processes acting on chromatin. However, transcription-coupled activity is a source of stochastic forces that are substantially larger than the Brownian forces present at physiological temperatures. Here, we describe an approach to large-scale nuclear architecture in metazoans that incorporates cell-type-specific active processes. The model predicts the statistics of positional distributions, shapes, and overlaps of each chromosome. Simulations of the model reproduce common organizing principles underlying large-scale nuclear architecture across human cell nuclei in interphase. These include the differential positioning of euchromatin and heterochromatin, the territorial organization of chromosomes (including both gene-density-based and size-based chromosome radial positioning schemes), the nonrandom locations of chromosome territories, and the shape statistics of individual chromosomes. We propose that the biophysical consequences of the distribution of transcriptional activity across chromosomes should be central to any chromosome positioning code.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Agrawal
- Computational Biology Group, The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Taramani, Chennai, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Nirmalendu Ganai
- Department of Physics, Nabadwip Vidyasagar College, Nabadwip, Nadia, India
| | - Surajit Sengupta
- TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Serilingampally Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad, India
| | - Gautam I Menon
- Computational Biology Group, The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Taramani, Chennai, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India; Department of Physics, Ashoka University, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, National Capital Region P.O.Rai, Sonepat, India.
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22
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Janiszewski A, Talon I, Chappell J, Collombet S, Song J, De Geest N, To SK, Bervoets G, Marin-Bejar O, Provenzano C, Vanheer L, Marine JC, Rambow F, Pasque V. Dynamic reversal of random X-Chromosome inactivation during iPSC reprogramming. Genome Res 2019; 29:1659-1672. [PMID: 31515287 PMCID: PMC6771397 DOI: 10.1101/gr.249706.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Induction and reversal of chromatin silencing is critical for successful development, tissue homeostasis, and the derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). X-Chromosome inactivation (XCI) and reactivation (XCR) in female cells represent chromosome-wide transitions between active and inactive chromatin states. Although XCI has long been studied, providing important insights into gene regulation, the dynamics and mechanisms underlying the reversal of stable chromatin silencing of X-linked genes are much less understood. Here, we use allele-specific transcriptomics to study XCR during mouse iPSC reprogramming in order to elucidate the timing and mechanisms of chromosome-wide reversal of gene silencing. We show that XCR is hierarchical, with subsets of genes reactivating early, late, and very late during reprogramming. Early genes are activated before the onset of late pluripotency genes activation. Early genes are located genomically closer to genes that escape XCI, unlike genes reactivating late. Early genes also show increased pluripotency transcription factor (TF) binding. We also reveal that histone deacetylases (HDACs) restrict XCR in reprogramming intermediates and that the severe hypoacetylation state of the inactive X Chromosome (Xi) persists until late reprogramming stages. Altogether, these results reveal the timing of transcriptional activation of monoallelically repressed genes during iPSC reprogramming, and suggest that allelic activation involves the combined action of chromatin topology, pluripotency TFs, and chromatin regulators. These findings are important for our understanding of gene silencing, maintenance of cell identity, reprogramming, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Janiszewski
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Irene Talon
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joel Chappell
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samuel Collombet
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Juan Song
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Natalie De Geest
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - San Kit To
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greet Bervoets
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oskar Marin-Bejar
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Caterina Provenzano
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lotte Vanheer
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Florian Rambow
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent Pasque
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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23
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Laskowski AI, Neems DS, Laster K, Strojny-Okyere C, Rice EL, Konieczna IM, Voss JH, Mathew JM, Leventhal JR, Ramsey-Goldman R, Smith ED, Kosak ST. Varying levels of X chromosome coalescence in female somatic cells alters the balance of X-linked dosage compensation and is implicated in female-dominant systemic lupus erythematosus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8011. [PMID: 31142749 PMCID: PMC6541617 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The three-dimensional organization of the genome in mammalian interphase nuclei is intrinsically linked to the regulation of gene expression. Whole chromosome territories and their encoded gene loci occupy preferential positions within the nucleus that changes according to the expression profile of a given cell lineage or stage. To further illuminate the relationship between chromosome organization, epigenetic environment, and gene expression, here we examine the functional organization of chromosome X and corresponding X-linked genes in a variety of healthy human and disease state X diploid (XX) cells. We observe high frequencies of homologous chromosome X colocalization (or coalescence), typically associated with initiation of X-chromosome inactivation, occurring in XX cells outside of early embryogenesis. Moreover, during chromosome X coalescence significant changes in Xist, H3K27me3, and X-linked gene expression occur, suggesting the potential exchange of gene regulatory information between the active and inactive X chromosomes. We also observe significant differences in chromosome X coalescence in disease-implicated lymphocytes isolated from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared to healthy controls. These results demonstrate that X chromosomes can functionally interact outside of embryogenesis when X inactivation is initiated and suggest a potential gene regulatory mechanism aberration underlying the increased frequency of autoimmunity in XX individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka I Laskowski
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Daniel S Neems
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Kyle Laster
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Chelsee Strojny-Okyere
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ellen L Rice
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Iwona M Konieczna
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Department of Medicine, Surgery Division, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jessica H Voss
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Department of Medicine, Surgery Division, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - James M Mathew
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Department of Medicine, Surgery Division, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Joseph R Leventhal
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Department of Medicine, Surgery Division, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman
- Deparment of Medicine, Rheumatology Division, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Erica D Smith
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Steven T Kosak
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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24
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Fritz AJ, Sehgal N, Pliss A, Xu J, Berezney R. Chromosome territories and the global regulation of the genome. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2019; 58:407-426. [PMID: 30664301 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial positioning is a fundamental principle governing nuclear processes. Chromatin is organized as a hierarchy from nucleosomes to Mbp chromatin domains (CD) or topologically associating domains (TADs) to higher level compartments culminating in chromosome territories (CT). Microscopic and sequencing techniques have substantiated chromatin organization as a critical factor regulating gene expression. For example, enhancers loop back to interact with their target genes almost exclusively within TADs, distally located coregulated genes reposition into common transcription factories upon activation, and Mbp CDs exhibit dynamic motion and configurational changes in vivo. A longstanding question in the nucleus field is whether an interactive nuclear matrix provides a direct link between structure and function. The findings of nonrandom radial positioning of CT within the nucleus suggest the possibility of preferential interaction patterns among populations of CT. Sequential labeling up to 10 CT followed by application of computer imaging and geometric graph mining algorithms revealed cell-type specific interchromosomal networks (ICN) of CT that are altered during the cell cycle, differentiation, and cancer progression. It is proposed that the ICN correlate with the global level of genome regulation. These approaches also demonstrated that the large scale 3-D topology of CT is specific for each CT. The cell-type specific proximity of certain chromosomal regions in normal cells may explain the propensity of distinct translocations in cancer subtypes. Understanding how genes are dysregulated upon disruption of the normal "wiring" of the nucleus by translocations, deletions, and amplifications that are hallmarks of cancer, should enable more targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Fritz
- Department of Biochemistry and University of Vermont Cancer Center, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Nitasha Sehgal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Artem Pliss
- Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics and the Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Jinhui Xu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Ronald Berezney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
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25
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Jowhar Z, Shachar S, Gudla PR, Wangsa D, Torres E, Russ JL, Pegoraro G, Ried T, Raznahan A, Misteli T. Effects of human sex chromosome dosage on spatial chromosome organization. Mol Biol Cell 2018; 29:2458-2469. [PMID: 30091656 PMCID: PMC6233059 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-06-0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) are common genetic syndromes characterized by the presence of an aberrant number of X and Y chromosomes due to meiotic defects. These conditions impact the structure and function of diverse tissues, but the proximal effects of SCAs on genome organization are unknown. Here, to determine the consequences of SCAs on global genome organization, we have analyzed multiple architectural features of chromosome organization in a comprehensive set of primary cells from SCA patients with various ratios of X and Y chromosomes by use of imaging-based high-throughput chromosome territory mapping (HiCTMap). We find that X chromosome supernumeracy does not affect the size, volume, or nuclear position of the Y chromosome or an autosomal chromosome. In contrast, the active X chromosome undergoes architectural changes as a function of increasing X copy number as measured by a decrease in size and an increase in circularity, which is indicative of chromatin compaction. In Y chromosome supernumeracy, Y chromosome size is reduced suggesting higher chromatin condensation. The radial positioning of chromosomes is unaffected in SCA karyotypes. Taken together, these observations document changes in genome architecture in response to alterations in sex chromosome numbers and point to trans-effects of dosage compensation on chromosome organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad Jowhar
- Cell Biology of Genomes Group, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Sigal Shachar
- Cell Biology of Genomes Group, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Prabhakar R. Gudla
- High-Throughput Imaging Facility, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Darawalee Wangsa
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Erin Torres
- Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Jill L. Russ
- Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Gianluca Pegoraro
- High-Throughput Imaging Facility, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Thomas Ried
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Armin Raznahan
- Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Tom Misteli
- Cell Biology of Genomes Group, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
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26
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Galupa R, Heard E. X-Chromosome Inactivation: A Crossroads Between Chromosome Architecture and Gene Regulation. Annu Rev Genet 2018; 52:535-566. [PMID: 30256677 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-120116-024611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In somatic nuclei of female therian mammals, the two X chromosomes display very different chromatin states: One X is typically euchromatic and transcriptionally active, and the other is mostly silent and forms a cytologically detectable heterochromatic structure termed the Barr body. These differences, which arise during female development as a result of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), have been the focus of research for many decades. Initial approaches to define the structure of the inactive X chromosome (Xi) and its relationship to gene expression mainly involved microscopy-based approaches. More recently, with the advent of genomic techniques such as chromosome conformation capture, molecular details of the structure and expression of the Xi have been revealed. Here, we review our current knowledge of the 3D organization of the mammalian X-chromosome chromatin and discuss its relationship with gene activity in light of the initiation, spreading, and maintenance of XCI, as well as escape from gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Galupa
- Genetics and Developmental Biology Unit and Mammalian Developmental Epigenetics Group, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, 75248 Paris, France; .,Current affiliation: Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Edith Heard
- Genetics and Developmental Biology Unit and Mammalian Developmental Epigenetics Group, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, 75248 Paris, France; .,Collège de France, 75231 Paris, France
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27
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Knoch TA. Simulation of different three-dimensional polymer models of interphase chromosomes compared to experiments-an evaluation and review framework of the 3D genome organization. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 90:19-42. [PMID: 30125668 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite all the efforts the three-dimensional higher-order architecture and dynamics in the cell nucleus are still debated. The regulation of genes, their transcription, replication, as well as differentiation in Eukarya is, however, closely connected to this architecture and dynamics. Here, an evaluation and review framework is setup to investigate the folding of a 30 nm chromatin fibre into chromosome territories by comparing computer simulations of two different chromatin topologies to experiments: The Multi-Loop-Subcompartment (MLS) model, in which small loops form rosettes connected by chromatin linkers, and the Random-Walk/Giant-Loop (RW/GL) model, in which large loops are attached to a flexible non-protein backbone, were simulated for various loop, rosette, and linker sizes. The 30 nm chromatin fibre was modelled as a polymer chain with stretching, bending, and excluded volume interactions. A spherical boundary potential simulated the confinement by other chromosomes and the nuclear envelope. Monte Carlo and Brownian Dynamics methods were applied to generate chain configurations at thermodynamic equilibrium. Both the MLS and the RW/GL models form chromosome territories, with different morphologies: The MLS rosettes form distinct subchromosomal domains, compatible in size as those from light microscopic observations. In contrast, the big RW/GL loops lead to a more homogeneous chromatin distribution. Only the MLS model agrees with the low overlap of chromosomes, their arms, and subchromosomal domains found experimentally. A review of experimental spatial distance measurements between genomic markers labelled by FISH as a function of their genomic separation from different publications and comparison to simulated spatial distances also favours an MLS-like model with loops and linkers of 63 to 126 kbp. The chromatin folding topology also reduces the apparent persistence length of the chromatin fibre to a value significantly lower than the free solution persistence length, explaining the low persistence lengths found various experiments. The predicted large spaces between the chromatin fibres allow typically sized biological molecules to reach nearly every location in the nucleus by moderately obstructed diffusion and disagrees with the much simplified assumption that defined channels between territories for molecular transport as in the Interchromosomal Domain (ICD) hypothesis exist. All this is also in agreement with recent selective high-resolution chromosome interaction capture (T2C) experiments, the scaling behaviour of the DNA sequence, the dynamics of the chromatin fibre, the nuclear diffusion of molecules, as well as other experiments. In summary, this polymer simulation framework compared to experimental data clearly favours only a quasi-chromatin fibre forming a stable multi-loop aggregate/rosette like genome organization and dynamics whose local topology is tightly connected to the global morphology and dynamics of the cell nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias A Knoch
- Biophysical Genomics, Dept. Cell Biology & Genetics, Erasmus MC, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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28
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Jowhar Z, Gudla PR, Shachar S, Wangsa D, Russ JL, Pegoraro G, Ried T, Raznahan A, Misteli T. HiCTMap: Detection and analysis of chromosome territory structure and position by high-throughput imaging. Methods 2018; 142:30-38. [PMID: 29408376 PMCID: PMC5993577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatial organization of chromosomes in the nuclear space is an extensively studied field that relies on measurements of structural features and 3D positions of chromosomes with high precision and robustness. However, no tools are currently available to image and analyze chromosome territories in a high-throughput format. Here, we have developed High-throughput Chromosome Territory Mapping (HiCTMap), a method for the robust and rapid analysis of 2D and 3D chromosome territory positioning in mammalian cells. HiCTMap is a high-throughput imaging-based chromosome detection method which enables routine analysis of chromosome structure and nuclear position. Using an optimized FISH staining protocol in a 384-well plate format in conjunction with a bespoke automated image analysis workflow, HiCTMap faithfully detects chromosome territories and their position in 2D and 3D in a large population of cells per experimental condition. We apply this novel technique to visualize chromosomes 18, X, and Y in male and female primary human skin fibroblasts, and show accurate detection of the correct number of chromosomes in the respective genotypes. Given the ability to visualize and quantitatively analyze large numbers of nuclei, we use HiCTMap to measure chromosome territory area and volume with high precision and determine the radial position of chromosome territories using either centroid or equidistant-shell analysis. The HiCTMap protocol is also compatible with RNA FISH as demonstrated by simultaneous labeling of X chromosomes and Xist RNA in female cells. We suggest HiCTMap will be a useful tool for routine precision mapping of chromosome territories in a wide range of cell types and tissues.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Nucleus/genetics
- Cell Nucleus/metabolism
- Chromosome Mapping/instrumentation
- Chromosome Mapping/methods
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18/metabolism
- Chromosomes, Human, X/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, X/metabolism
- Chromosomes, Human, Y/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Y/metabolism
- Female
- Fibroblasts
- Humans
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence/instrumentation
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence/methods
- Male
- Primary Cell Culture/methods
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- Skin/cytology
- Staining and Labeling/instrumentation
- Staining and Labeling/methods
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad Jowhar
- Cell Biology of Genomes Group, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Prabhakar R Gudla
- NCI High-throughput Imaging Facility, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Sigal Shachar
- Cell Biology of Genomes Group, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Darawalee Wangsa
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Jill L Russ
- Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Gianluca Pegoraro
- NCI High-throughput Imaging Facility, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Thomas Ried
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Armin Raznahan
- Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Tom Misteli
- Cell Biology of Genomes Group, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
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Bonora G, Disteche CM. Structural aspects of the inactive X chromosome. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0357. [PMID: 28947656 PMCID: PMC5627159 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A striking difference between male and female nuclei was recognized early on by the presence of a condensed chromatin body only in female cells. Mary Lyon proposed that X inactivation or silencing of one X chromosome at random in females caused this structural difference. Subsequent studies have shown that the inactive X chromosome (Xi) does indeed have a very distinctive structure compared to its active counterpart and all autosomes in female mammals. In this review, we will recap the discovery of this fascinating biological phenomenon and seminal studies in the field. We will summarize imaging studies using traditional microscopy and super-resolution technology, which revealed uneven compaction of the Xi. We will then discuss recent findings based on high-throughput sequencing techniques, which uncovered the distinct three-dimensional bipartite configuration of the Xi and the role of specific long non-coding RNAs in eliciting and maintaining this structure. The relative position of specific genomic elements, including genes that escape X inactivation, repeat elements and chromatin features, will be reviewed. Finally, we will discuss the position of the Xi, either near the nuclear periphery or the nucleolus, and the elements implicated in this positioning. This article is part of the themed issue ‘X-chromosome inactivation: a tribute to Mary Lyon’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Bonora
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Christine M Disteche
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA .,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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30
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Lyu G, Tan T, Guan Y, Sun L, Liang Q, Tao W. Changes in the position and volume of inactive X chromosomes during the G0/G1 transition. Chromosome Res 2018; 26:179-189. [PMID: 29679205 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-018-9577-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In female mammals, each cell silences one X chromosome by converting it into transcriptionally inert heterochromatin. The inactivation is concomitant with epigenetic changes including methylation of specific histone residues and incorporation of macroH2A. Such epigenetic changes may exert influence on the positioning of the inactive X chromosome (Xi) within the nucleus beyond the level of chromatin structure. However, the dynamic positioning of the inactive X chromosome during cell cycle remains unclear. Here, we show that H3K27me3 is a cell-cycle-independent marker for the inactivated X chromosomes in WI38 cells. By utilizing this marker, three types of Xi locations in the nuclei are classified, which are envelope position (associated with envelope), mid-position (between the envelope and nucleolus), and nucleolus position (associated with the nucleolus). Moreover, serial-section analysis revealed that the inactive X chromosomes in the mid-position appear to be sparser and less condensed than those associated with the nuclear envelope or nucleolus. During the transition from G0 to G1 phase, the inactive X chromosomes tend to move from the envelope position to the nucleolus position in WI38 cells. Our results imply a role of chromosome positioning in maintaining the organization of the inactive X chromosomes in different cell phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Lyu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Tan Tan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development/ Key Laboratory for Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study / Department of Biological Science & Technology, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiting Guan
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Sun
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianjin Liang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development/ Key Laboratory for Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Tao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Sun L, Yu R, Dang W. Chromatin Architectural Changes during Cellular Senescence and Aging. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9040211. [PMID: 29659513 PMCID: PMC5924553 DOI: 10.3390/genes9040211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin 3D structure is highly dynamic and associated with many biological processes, such as cell cycle progression, cellular differentiation, cell fate reprogramming, cancer development, cellular senescence, and aging. Recently, by using chromosome conformation capture technologies, tremendous findings have been reported about the dynamics of genome architecture, their associated proteins, and the underlying mechanisms involved in regulating chromatin spatial organization and gene expression. Cellular senescence and aging, which involve multiple cellular and molecular functional declines, also undergo significant chromatin structural changes, including alternations of heterochromatin and disruption of higher-order chromatin structure. In this review, we summarize recent findings related to genome architecture, factors regulating chromatin spatial organization, and how they change during cellular senescence and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyang Sun
- Huffington Center on Aging, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Ruofan Yu
- Huffington Center on Aging, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Weiwei Dang
- Huffington Center on Aging, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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32
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Spatial organization of chromosome territories in the interphase nucleus of trisomy 21 cells. Chromosoma 2017; 127:247-259. [PMID: 29238858 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-017-0653-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the interphase cell nucleus, chromosomes adopt a conserved and non-random arrangement in subnuclear domains called chromosome territories (CTs). Whereas chromosome translocation can affect CT organization in tumor cell nuclei, little is known about how aneuploidies can impact CT organization. Here, we performed 3D-FISH on control and trisomic 21 nuclei to track the patterning of chromosome territories, focusing on the radial distribution of trisomic HSA21 as well as 11 disomic chromosomes. We have established an experimental design based on cultured chorionic villus cells which keep their original mesenchymal features including a characteristic ellipsoid nuclear morphology and a radial CT distribution that correlates with chromosome size. Our study suggests that in trisomy 21 nuclei, the extra HSA21 induces a shift of HSA1 and HSA3 CTs out toward a more peripheral position in nuclear space and a higher compaction of HSA1 and HSA17 CTs. We posit that the presence of a supernumerary chromosome 21 alters chromosome compaction and results in displacement of other chromosome territories from their usual nuclear position.
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33
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Orsztynowicz M, Lechniak D, Pawlak P, Kociucka B, Kubickova S, Cernohorska H, Madeja ZE. Changes in chromosome territory position within the nucleus reflect alternations in gene expression related to embryonic lineage specification. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182398. [PMID: 28767705 PMCID: PMC5540545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of totipotentcy in an early embryo is directed by molecular processes responsible for cell fate decisions. Three dimensional genome organisation is an important factor linking chromatin architecture with stage specific gene expression patterns. Little is known about the role of chromosome organisation in gene expression regulation of lineage specific factors in mammalian embryos. Using bovine embryos as a model we have described these interactions at key developmental stages. Three bovine chromosomes (BTA) that differ in size, number of carried genes, and contain loci for key lineage regulators OCT4, NANOG and CDX2, were investigated. The results suggest that large chromosomes regardless of their gene density (BTA12 gene-poor, BTA5 gene-rich) do not significantly change their radial position within the nucleus. Gene loci however, may change its position within the chromosome territory (CT) and relocate its periphery, when stage specific process of gene activation is required. Trophectoderm specific CDX2 and epiblast precursor NANOG loci tend to locate on the surface or outside of the CTs, at stages related with their high expression. We postulate that the observed changes in CT shape reflect global alternations in gene expression related to differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Orsztynowicz
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Dorota Lechniak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Pawlak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Beata Kociucka
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | | | - Zofia Eliza Madeja
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- * E-mail:
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34
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Abstract
Extensive 3D folding is required to package a genome into the tiny nuclear space, and this packaging must be compatible with proper gene expression. Thus, in the well-hierarchized nucleus, chromosomes occupy discrete territories and adopt specific 3D organizational structures that facilitate interactions between regulatory elements for gene expression. The mammalian X chromosome exemplifies this structure-function relationship. Recent studies have shown that, upon X-chromosome inactivation, active and inactive X chromosomes localize to different subnuclear positions and adopt distinct chromosomal architectures that reflect their activity states. Here, we review the roles of long non-coding RNAs, chromosomal organizational structures and the subnuclear localization of chromosomes as they relate to X-linked gene expression.
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35
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Arganda-Carreras I, Andrey P. Designing Image Analysis Pipelines in Light Microscopy: A Rational Approach. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1563:185-207. [PMID: 28324610 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6810-7_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
With the progress of microscopy techniques and the rapidly growing amounts of acquired imaging data, there is an increased need for automated image processing and analysis solutions in biological studies. Each new application requires the design of a specific image analysis pipeline, by assembling a series of image processing operations. Many commercial or free bioimage analysis software are now available and several textbooks and reviews have presented the mathematical and computational fundamentals of image processing and analysis. Tens, if not hundreds, of algorithms and methods have been developed and integrated into image analysis software, resulting in a combinatorial explosion of possible image processing sequences. This paper presents a general guideline methodology to rationally address the design of image processing and analysis pipelines. The originality of the proposed approach is to follow an iterative, backwards procedure from the target objectives of analysis. The proposed goal-oriented strategy should help biologists to better apprehend image analysis in the context of their research and should allow them to efficiently interact with image processing specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Arganda-Carreras
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013, Bilbao, Spain
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Department, Basque Country University (UPV/EHU), 20018, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), 20018, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Philippe Andrey
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, INRA, AgroParisTech, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, RD10, 78000, Versailles, France.
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UFR 927, Paris, France.
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36
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Giorgetti L, Lajoie BR, Carter AC, Attia M, Zhan Y, Xu J, Chen CJ, Kaplan N, Chang HY, Heard E, Dekker J. Structural organization of the inactive X chromosome in the mouse. Nature 2016; 535:575-9. [PMID: 27437574 PMCID: PMC5443622 DOI: 10.1038/nature18589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) involves major reorganization of the X chromosome as it becomes silent and heterochromatic. During female mammalian development, XCI is triggered by upregulation of the non-coding Xist RNA from one of the two X chromosomes. Xist coats the chromosome in cis and induces silencing of almost all genes via its A-repeat region, although some genes (constitutive escapees) avoid silencing in most cell types, and others (facultative escapees) escape XCI only in specific contexts. A role for Xist in organizing the inactive X (Xi) chromosome has been proposed. Recent chromosome conformation capture approaches have revealed global loss of local structure on the Xi chromosome and formation of large mega-domains, separated by a region containing the DXZ4 macrosatellite. However, the molecular architecture of the Xi chromosome, in both the silent and expressed regions,remains unclear. Here we investigate the structure, chromatin accessibility and expression status of the mouse Xi chromosome in highly polymorphic clonal neural progenitors (NPCs) and embryonic stem cells. We demonstrate a crucial role for Xist and the DXZ4-containing boundary in shaping Xi chromosome structure using allele-specific genome-wide chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) analysis, an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA sequencing. Deletion of the boundary disrupts mega-domain formation, and induction of Xist RNA initiates formation of the boundary and the loss of DNA accessibility. We also show that in NPCs, the Xi chromosome lacks active/inactive compartments and topologically associating domains (TADs), except around genes that escape XCI. Escapee gene clusters display TAD-like structures and retain DNA accessibility at promoter-proximal and CTCF-binding sites. Furthermore, altered patterns of facultative escape genes indifferent neural progenitor clones are associated with the presence of different TAD-like structures after XCI. These findings suggest a key role for transcription and CTCF in the formation of TADs in the context of the Xi chromosome in neural progenitors.
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37
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Pinter SF. A Tale of Two Cities: How Xist and its partners localize to and silence the bicompartmental X. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 56:19-34. [PMID: 27072488 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sex chromosomal dosage compensation in mammals takes the form of X chromosome inactivation (XCI), driven by the non-coding RNA Xist. In contrast to dosage compensation systems of flies and worms, mammalian XCI has to restrict its function to the Xist-producing X chromosome, while leaving autosomes and active X untouched. The mechanisms behind the long-range yet cis-specific localization and silencing activities of Xist have long been enigmatic, but genomics, proteomics, super-resolution microscopy, and innovative genetic approaches have produced significant new insights in recent years. In this review, I summarize and integrate these findings with a particular focus on the redundant yet mutually reinforcing pathways that enable long-term transcriptional repression throughout the soma. This includes an exploration of concurrent epigenetic changes acting in parallel within two distinct compartments of the inactive X. I also examine how Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 and macroH2A may bridge XCI establishment and maintenance. XCI is a remarkable phenomenon that operates across multiple scales, combining changes in nuclear architecture, chromosome topology, chromatin compaction, and nucleosome/nucleotide-level epigenetic cues. Learning how these pathways act in concert likely holds the answer to the riddle posed by Cattanach's and other autosomal translocations: What makes the X especially receptive to XCI?
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan F Pinter
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, USA.
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38
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Sehgal N, Fritz AJ, Vecerova J, Ding H, Chen Z, Stojkovic B, Bhattacharya S, Xu J, Berezney R. Large-scale probabilistic 3D organization of human chromosome territories. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:419-36. [PMID: 26604142 PMCID: PMC4731017 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that chromosome territories (CT) have a probabilistic non-random arrangement within the cell nucleus of mammalian cells including radial positioning and preferred patterns of interchromosomal interactions that are cell-type specific. While it is generally assumed that the three-dimensional (3D) arrangement of genes within the CT is linked to genomic regulation, the degree of non-random organization of individual CT remains unclear. As a first step to elucidating the global 3D organization (topology) of individual CT, we performed multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization using six probes extending across each chromosome in human WI38 lung fibroblasts. Six CT were selected ranging in size and gene density (1, 4, 12, 17, 18 and X). In-house computational geometric algorithms were applied to measure the 3D distances between every combination of probes and to elucidate data-mined structural patterns. Our findings demonstrate a high degree of non-random arrangement of individual CT that vary from chromosome to chromosome and display distinct changes during the cell cycle. Application of a classic, well-defined data mining and pattern recognition approach termed the 'k-means' generated 3D models for the best fit arrangement of each chromosome. These predicted models correlated well with the detailed distance measurements and analysis. We propose that the unique 3D topology of each CT and characteristic changes during the cell cycle provide the structural framework for the global gene expression programs of the individual chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hu Ding
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA and
| | - Zihe Chen
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA and
| | - Branislav Stojkovic
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA and
| | - Sambit Bhattacharya
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC 28301, USA
| | - Jinhui Xu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA and
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39
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Quantitatively imaging chromosomes by correlated cryo-fluorescence and soft x-ray tomographies. Biophys J 2015; 107:1988-1996. [PMID: 25418180 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft x-ray tomography (SXT) is increasingly being recognized as a valuable method for visualizing and quantifying the ultrastructure of cryopreserved cells. Here, we describe the combination of SXT with cryogenic confocal fluorescence tomography (CFT). This correlative approach allows the incorporation of molecular localization data, with isotropic precision, into high-resolution three-dimensional (3-D) SXT reconstructions of the cell. CFT data are acquired first using a cryogenically adapted confocal light microscope in which the specimen is coupled to a high numerical aperture objective lens by an immersion fluid. The specimen is then cryo-transferred to a soft x-ray microscope (SXM) for SXT data acquisition. Fiducial markers visible in both types of data act as common landmarks, enabling accurate coalignment of the two complementary tomographic reconstructions. We used this method to identify the inactive X chromosome (Xi) in female v-abl transformed thymic lymphoma cells by localizing enhanced green fluorescent protein-labeled macroH2A with CFT. The molecular localization data were used to guide segmentation of Xi in the SXT reconstructions, allowing characterization of the Xi topological arrangement in near-native state cells. Xi was seen to adopt a number of different topologies with no particular arrangement being dominant.
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40
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Abstract
Many organisms show major chromosomal differences between sexes. In mammals, females have two copies of a large, gene-rich chromosome, the X, whereas males have one X and a small, gene-poor Y. The imbalance in expression of several hundred genes is lethal if not dealt with by dosage compensation. The male-female difference is addressed by silencing of genes on one female X early in development. However, both males and females now have only one active X chromosome. This is compensated by twofold up-regulation of genes on the active X. This complex system continues to provide important insights into mechanisms of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Brockdorff
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Bryan M Turner
- School of Cancer Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham Medical School, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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41
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Chakraborty S, Mehta I, Kulashreshtha M, Rao BJ. Quantitative analysis of chromosome localization in the nucleus. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1228:223-33. [PMID: 25311133 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1680-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The spatial organization of the genome within the interphase nucleus is important for mediating genome functions. The radial organization of chromosome territories has been studied traditionally using two-dimensional fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using labeled whole chromosome probes. Information from 2D-FISH images is analyzed quantitatively and is depicted in the form of the spatial distribution of chromosomes territories. However, to the best of our knowledge no open-access tools are available to delineate the position of chromosome territories from 2D-FISH images. In this chapter we present a methodology termed Image Analysis of Chromosomes for computing their localization (IMACULAT). IMACULAT is an open-access, automated tool that partitions the cell nucleus into shells of equal area or volume and computes the spatial distribution of chromosome territories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Chakraborty
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,
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Sehgal N, Fritz AJ, Morris K, Torres I, Chen Z, Xu J, Berezney R. Gene density and chromosome territory shape. Chromosoma 2014; 123:499-513. [PMID: 25106753 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-014-0480-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of study of chromosome territories (CT) in the interphase nucleus of mammalian cells, our understanding of the global shape and 3-D organization of the individual CT remains very limited. Past microscopic analysis of CT suggested that while many of the CT appear to be very regular ellipsoid-like shapes, there were also those with more irregular shapes. We have undertaken a comprehensive analysis to determine the degree of shape regularity of different CT. To be representative of the whole human genome, 12 different CT (~41 % of the genome) were selected that ranged from the largest (CT 1) to the smallest (CT 21) in size and from the highest (CT 19) to lowest (CT Y) in gene density. Using both visual inspection and algorithms that measure the degree of shape ellipticity and regularity, we demonstrate a strong inverse correlation between the degree of regular CT shape and gene density for those CT that are most gene-rich (19, 17, 11) and gene-poor (18, 13, Y). CT more intermediate in gene density showed a strong negative correlation with shape regularity, but not with ellipticity. An even more striking correlation between gene density and CT shape was determined for the nucleolar-associated NOR-CT. Correspondingly, striking differences in shape between the X active and inactive CT implied that aside from gene density, the overall global level of gene transcription on individual CT is also an important determinant of chromosome territory shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitasha Sehgal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
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Del Prete S, Arpón J, Sakai K, Andrey P, Gaudin V. Nuclear architecture and chromatin dynamics in interphase nuclei of Arabidopsis thaliana. Cytogenet Genome Res 2014; 143:28-50. [PMID: 24992956 DOI: 10.1159/000363724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The interphase cell nucleus is extraordinarily complex, ordered, and dynamic. In the last decade, remarkable progress has been made in deciphering the functional organisation of the cell nucleus, and intricate relationships between genome functions (transcription, DNA repair, or replication) and various nuclear compartments have been revealed. In this review, we describe the architecture of the Arabidopsis thaliana interphase cell nucleus and discuss the dynamic nature of its organisation. We underline the need for further developments in quantitative and modelling approaches to nuclear organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Del Prete
- INRA, UMR1318-AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), INRA-Centre de Versailles-Grignon, Versailles, France
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Tai PWL, Zaidi SK, Wu H, Grandy RA, Montecino MM, van Wijnen AJ, Lian JB, Stein GS, Stein JL. The dynamic architectural and epigenetic nuclear landscape: developing the genomic almanac of biology and disease. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:711-27. [PMID: 24242872 PMCID: PMC3996806 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Compaction of the eukaryotic genome into the confined space of the cell nucleus must occur faithfully throughout each cell cycle to retain gene expression fidelity. For decades, experimental limitations to study the structural organization of the interphase nucleus restricted our understanding of its contributions towards gene regulation and disease. However, within the past few years, our capability to visualize chromosomes in vivo with sophisticated fluorescence microscopy, and to characterize chromosomal regulatory environments via massively parallel sequencing methodologies have drastically changed how we currently understand epigenetic gene control within the context of three-dimensional nuclear structure. The rapid rate at which information on nuclear structure is unfolding brings challenges to compare and contrast recent observations with historic findings. In this review, we discuss experimental breakthroughs that have influenced how we understand and explore the dynamic structure and function of the nucleus, and how we can incorporate historical perspectives with insights acquired from the ever-evolving advances in molecular biology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip W. L. Tai
- Department of Biochemistry and Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - Sayyed K. Zaidi
- Department of Biochemistry and Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - Hai Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - Rodrigo A. Grandy
- Department of Biochemistry and Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - Martin M. Montecino
- Center for Biomedical Research and FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - André J. van Wijnen
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jane B. Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - Gary S. Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - Janet L. Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
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Smeets D, Markaki Y, Schmid VJ, Kraus F, Tattermusch A, Cerase A, Sterr M, Fiedler S, Demmerle J, Popken J, Leonhardt H, Brockdorff N, Cremer T, Schermelleh L, Cremer M. Three-dimensional super-resolution microscopy of the inactive X chromosome territory reveals a collapse of its active nuclear compartment harboring distinct Xist RNA foci. Epigenetics Chromatin 2014; 7:8. [PMID: 25057298 PMCID: PMC4108088 DOI: 10.1186/1756-8935-7-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A Xist RNA decorated Barr body is the structural hallmark of the compacted inactive X territory in female mammals. Using super-resolution three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) and quantitative image analysis, we compared its ultrastructure with active chromosome territories (CTs) in human and mouse somatic cells, and explored the spatio-temporal process of Barr body formation at onset of inactivation in early differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Results We demonstrate that all CTs are composed of structurally linked chromatin domain clusters (CDCs). In active CTs the periphery of CDCs harbors low-density chromatin enriched with transcriptionally competent markers, called the perichromatin region (PR). The PR borders on a contiguous channel system, the interchromatin compartment (IC), which starts at nuclear pores and pervades CTs. We propose that the PR and macromolecular complexes in IC channels together form the transcriptionally permissive active nuclear compartment (ANC). The Barr body differs from active CTs by a partially collapsed ANC with CDCs coming significantly closer together, although a rudimentary IC channel system connected to nuclear pores is maintained. Distinct Xist RNA foci, closely adjacent to the nuclear matrix scaffold attachment factor-A (SAF-A) localize throughout Xi along the rudimentary ANC. In early differentiating ESCs initial Xist RNA spreading precedes Barr body formation, which occurs concurrent with the subsequent exclusion of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II). Induction of a transgenic autosomal Xist RNA in a male ESC triggers the formation of an ‘autosomal Barr body’ with less compacted chromatin and incomplete RNAP II exclusion. Conclusions 3D-SIM provides experimental evidence for profound differences between the functional architecture of transcriptionally active CTs and the Barr body. Basic structural features of CT organization such as CDCs and IC channels are however still recognized, arguing against a uniform compaction of the Barr body at the nucleosome level. The localization of distinct Xist RNA foci at boundaries of the rudimentary ANC may be considered as snap-shots of a dynamic interaction with silenced genes. Enrichment of SAF-A within Xi territories and its close spatial association with Xist RNA suggests their cooperative function for structural organization of Xi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Smeets
- Biocenter, Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Martinsried, Germany ; Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yolanda Markaki
- Biocenter, Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Volker J Schmid
- Institute of Statistics, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Kraus
- Biocenter, Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Martinsried, Germany ; Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Andrea Cerase
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Sterr
- Biocenter, Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Susanne Fiedler
- Biocenter, Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Justin Demmerle
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jens Popken
- Biocenter, Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Heinrich Leonhardt
- Biocenter, Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Neil Brockdorff
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Cremer
- Biocenter, Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lothar Schermelleh
- Biocenter, Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Martinsried, Germany ; Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marion Cremer
- Biocenter, Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Martinsried, Germany
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Müller I, Merk B, Voss KO, Averbeck N, Jakob B, Durante M, Taucher-Scholz G. Species conserved DNA damage response at the inactive human X chromosome. Mutat Res 2013; 756:30-36. [PMID: 23628434 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin modifications are long known as an essential part of the orchestrated response resulting in the repair of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Only recently, however, the influence of the chromatin architecture itself on the DNA damage response has been recognised. Thus for heterochromatic DSBs the sensing and early recruitment of repair factors to the lesion occurs within the heterochromatic compartments, but the damage sites are subsequently relocated from the inside to the outside of the heterochromatin. While previous studies were accomplished at the constitutive heterochromatin of centromeric regions in mouse and flies, here we examine the DSB repair at the facultative heterochromatin of the inactive X chromosome (Xi) in humans. Using heavy ion irradiation we show that at later times after irradiation the DSB damage streaks bend around the Xi verifying that the relocation process is conserved between species and not specialised to repetitive sequences only. In addition, to measure chromatin relaxation at rare positions within the genome, we established live cell microscopy at the GSI microbeam thus allowing the aimed irradiation of small nuclear structures like the Xi. Chromatin decondensation at DSBs within the Xi is clearly visible within minutes as a continuous decrease of the DNA staining over time, comparable to the DNA relaxation revealed at DSBs in mouse chromocenters. Furthermore, despite being conserved between species, slight differences in the underlying regulation of these processes in heterochromatic DSBs are apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Müller
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Planckstraße 1, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany.
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Panova AV, Nekrasov ED, Lagarkova MA, Kiselev SL, Bogomazova AN. Late replication of the inactive x chromosome is independent of the compactness of chromosome territory in human pluripotent stem cells. Acta Naturae 2013; 5:54-61. [PMID: 23819036 PMCID: PMC3695353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Dosage compensation of the X chromosomes in mammals is performed via the formation of facultative heterochromatin on extra X chromosomes in female somatic cells. Facultative heterochromatin of the inactivated X (Xi), as well as constitutive heterochromatin, replicates late during the S-phase. It is generally accepted that Xi is always more compact in the interphase nucleus. The dense chromosomal folding has been proposed to define the late replication of Xi. In contrast to mouse pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), the status of X chromosome inactivation in human PSCs may vary significantly. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a whole X-chromosome- specific DNA probe revealed that late-replicating Xi may occupy either compact or dispersed territory in human PSCs. Thus, the late replication of the Xi does not depend on the compactness of chromosome territory in human PSCs. However, the Xi reactivation and the synchronization in the replication timing of X chromosomes upon reprogramming are necessarily accompanied by the expansion of X chromosome territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Panova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Gubkina Str., 3, Moscow, Russia, 119991
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Horakova AH, Moseley SC, McLaughlin CR, Tremblay DC, Chadwick BP. The macrosatellite DXZ4 mediates CTCF-dependent long-range intrachromosomal interactions on the human inactive X chromosome. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:4367-77. [PMID: 22791747 PMCID: PMC3459461 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human X-linked macrosatellite DXZ4 is a large tandem repeat located at Xq23 that is packaged into heterochromatin on the male X chromosome and female active X chromosome and, in response to X chromosome, inactivation is organized into euchromatin bound by the insulator protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) on the inactive X chromosome (Xi). The purpose served by this unusual epigenetic regulation is unclear, but suggests a Xi-specific gain of function for DXZ4. Other less extensive bands of euchromatin can be observed on the Xi, but the identity of the underlying DNA sequences is unknown. Here, we report the identification of two novel human X-linked tandem repeats, located 58 Mb proximal and 16 Mb distal to the macrosatellite DXZ4. Both tandem repeats are entirely contained within the transcriptional unit of novel spliced transcripts. Like DXZ4, the tandem repeats are packaged into Xi-specific CTCF-bound euchromatin. These sequences undergo frequent CTCF-dependent interactions with DXZ4 on the Xi, implicating DXZ4 as an epigenetically regulated Xi-specific structural element and providing the first putative functional attribute of a macrosatellite in the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Brian P. Chadwick
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4295, USA
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Iyer KV, Maharana S, Gupta S, Libchaber A, Tlusty T, Shivashankar GV. Modeling and experimental methods to probe the link between global transcription and spatial organization of chromosomes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46628. [PMID: 23049710 PMCID: PMC3462193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomes are spatially assembled into chromosome territories (CT) within the nucleus of living cells. Recent evidences have suggested associations between three-dimensional organization of CTs and the active gene clusters within neighboring CTs. These gene clusters are part of signaling networks sharing similar transcription factor or other downstream transcription machineries. Hence, presence of such gene clusters of active signaling networks in a cell type may regulate the spatial organization of chromosomes in the nucleus. However, given the probabilistic nature of chromosome positions and complex transcription factor networks (TFNs), quantitative methods to establish their correlation is lacking. In this paper, we use chromosome positions and gene expression profiles in interphase fibroblasts and describe methods to capture the correspondence between their spatial position and expression. In addition, numerical simulations designed to incorporate the interacting TFNs, reveal that the chromosome positions are also optimized for the activity of these networks. These methods were validated for specific chromosome pairs mapped in two distinct transcriptional states of T-Cells (naïve and activated). Taken together, our methods highlight the functional coupling between topology of chromosomes and their respective gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Venkatesan Iyer
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shovamayee Maharana
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Soumya Gupta
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Albert Libchaber
- Laboratory of Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, Rockefeller University, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Tsvi Tlusty
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail: (TT); (GVS)
| | - G. V. Shivashankar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Mechanobiology Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (TT); (GVS)
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Jerabek H, Heermann DW. Expression-dependent folding of interphase chromatin. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37525. [PMID: 22649534 PMCID: PMC3359300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies suggest that chromatin looping might play a crucial role in organizing eukaryotic genomes. To investigate the interplay between the conformation of interphase chromatin and its transcriptional activity, we include information from gene expression profiles into a polymer model for chromatin that incorporates genomic loops. By relating loop formation to transcriptional activity, we are able to generate chromosome conformations whose structural and topological properties are consistent with experimental data. The model particularly allows to reproduce the conformational variations that are known to occur between highly and lowly expressed chromatin regions. As previously observed in experiments, lowly expressed regions of the simulated polymers are much more compact. Due to the changes in loop formation, the distributions of chromatin loops are also expression-dependent and exhibit a steeper decay in highly active regions. As a results of entropic interaction between differently looped parts of the chromosome, we observe topological alterations leading to a preferential positioning of highly transcribed loci closer to the surface of the chromosome territory. Considering the diffusional behavior of the chromatin fibre, the simulations furthermore show that the higher the expression level of specific parts of the chromatin fibre is, the more dynamic they are. The results exhibit that variations of loop formation along the chromatin fibre, and the entropic changes that come along with it, do not only influence the structural parameters on the local scale, but also effect the global chromosome conformation and topology.
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