Abstract
To date, our understanding of how DNA is packaged in the cell nucleus, condensed from chromatin into chromosomes, and organized throughout the cell cycle remains sparse. Three dimensional (3D) ultrastructural imaging is an important tool for unravelling the organizational structure of chromosomes. For large volume 3D imaging of biological samples, serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) has been applied, whereby ultrastructural information is achieved by analyzing 3D reconstructions acquired from measured data sets. In this review, we summarize the contribution of SBFSEM for obtaining 3D images of chromosomes to investigate their ultrastructure and organization in the cell and its nucleus. Furthermore, this review highlights the potential of SBFSEM for advancing 3D chromosome research.
Highlights
Endothelial cell nuclei occupies 58.3% chromatin and 41.7% interchromatin space (This includes space occupied by nucleoli)
X-shaped mitotic chromosome was reconstructed from polyamine preparations allowing q and p arm chromatids to be measured
Internal structural details or cavities were seen on methanol acetic acid prepared chromosomes only
Summary
Throughout the cell cycle, chromatin condenses and undergoes conformational changes from interphase to metaphase [2,3] occupying non-random chromosomal territories (CTs) [4] (reviewed in [5,6,7,8,9]). These CTs are essential for maintaining overall genome stability and function; their spatial positioning in different cells and disease types is unclear and needs further investigation [10,11,12,13]. It is clear that 3D high-resolution imaging is a pre-requisite in addressing unresolved questions related to the spatial organization and structure of chromosomes
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