Cell Reports,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
42(6), P. 112567 - 112567
Published: May 26, 2023
Chromatin
compaction
differences
may
have
a
strong
impact
on
accessibility
of
individual
macromolecules
and
macromolecular
assemblies
to
their
DNA
target
sites.
Estimates
based
fluorescence
microscopy
with
conventional
resolution,
however,
suggest
only
modest
(∼2-10×)
between
the
active
nuclear
compartment
(ANC)
inactive
(INC).
Here,
we
present
maps
landscapes
true-to-scale
densities,
ranging
from
<5
>300
Mbp/μm3.
Maps
are
generated
human
mouse
cell
nuclei
single-molecule
localization
at
∼20
nm
lateral
∼100
axial
optical
resolution
supplemented
by
electron
spectroscopic
imaging.
Microinjection
fluorescent
nanobeads
sizes
corresponding
for
transcription
into
living
cells
demonstrates
movements
within
ANC
exclusion
INC.
Animal
genomes
are
organized
into
topologically
associated
domains
(TADs).
TADs
thought
to
contribute
gene
regulation
by
facilitating
enhancer-promoter
(E-P)
contacts
within
a
TAD
and
preventing
these
across
borders.
However,
the
absolute
difference
in
contact
frequency
boundaries
is
usually
less
than
2-fold,
even
though
disruptions
of
borders
can
change
expression
10-fold.
Existing
models
fail
explain
this
hypersensitive
response.
Here,
we
propose
futile
cycle
model
enhancer-mediated
that
exhibit
hypersensitivity
through
bistability
hysteresis.
Consistent
with
recent
experiments,
does
not
strong
correlation
between
E-P
promoter
activity,
occurs
contact.
Through
mathematical
analysis
stochastic
simulation,
show
system
create
an
illusion
biochemical
specificity
importance
weak
boundaries.
It
also
offers
mechanism
reconcile
apparently
contradictory
results
from
global
disruption
local
boundary
deletion
experiments.
Together,
analyses
advance
our
understanding
cis-regulatory
controlling
suggest
new
experimental
directions.
Nature Communications,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
13(1)
Published: July 13, 2022
Loop-extrusion
and
phase-separation
have
been
proposed
as
mechanisms
that
shape
chromosome
spatial
organization.
It
is
unclear,
however,
how
they
perform
relative
to
each
other
in
explaining
chromatin
architecture
data
whether
compete
or
co-exist
at
the
single-molecule
level.
Here,
we
compare
models
of
polymer
physics
based
on
loop-extrusion
phase-separation,
well
where
both
act
simultaneously
a
single
molecule,
against
multiplexed
FISH
available
human
loci
IMR90
HCT116
cells.
We
find
different
recapitulate
bulk
Hi-C
average
microscopy
data.
Single-molecule
conformations
are
also
captured,
especially
by
better
reflect
experimentally
reported
segregation
globules
considered
genomic
their
cell-to-cell
structural
variability.
Such
variability
consistent
with
two
main
concurrent
causes:
single-cell
epigenetic
heterogeneity
an
intrinsic
thermodynamic
conformational
degeneracy
folding.
Overall,
model
combining
provides
very
good
description
data,
particularly
higher-order
contacts,
showing
can
shaping
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
120(18)
Published: April 24, 2023
Nuclear
DNA
in
eukaryotes
is
wrapped
around
histone
proteins
to
form
nucleosomes
on
a
chromatin
fiber.
Dynamic
folding
of
the
fiber
into
loops
and
variations
degree
compaction
regulate
essential
processes
such
as
transcription,
recombination,
mitotic
chromosome
segregation.
Our
understanding
physical
properties
that
allow
be
dynamically
remodeled
even
highly
compacted
states
limited.
Previously,
we
reported
has
an
intrinsic
capacity
phase
separate
dynamic
liquid-like
condensates,
which
can
regulated
by
cellular
factors
[B.
A.
Gibson
et
al.
,
Cell
179
470–484.e421
(2019)].
Recent
contradictory
reports
claim
specific
set
solution
conditions
required
for
fluidity
condensates
would
otherwise
solid
[J.
C.
Hansen,
K.
Maeshima,
M.
J.
Hendzel,
Epigenetics
Chromatin
14
50
(2021);
H.
Strickfaden
183
1772–1784.e1713
(2020)].
We
sought
resolve
these
discrepancies,
our
ability
translate
with
confidence
biophysical
observations
cells
requires
their
precise
characterization.
Moreover,
whether
assemblies
are
or
static
affects
how
loop
extrusion,
remodeling
will
engage
them
inside
cells.
Here,
show
diverse
without
buffering
components
fragments
separated
fluids
vitro.
also
explore
sample
preparation
imaging
affect
experimental
observation
condensate
dynamics.
Last,
describe
vitro
behaviors
locally
but
globally
constrained
movement
observed