Abstract

BackgroundThe packaging of long chromatin fibers in the nucleus poses a major challenge, as it must fulfill both physical and functional requirements. Until recently, insights into the chromosomal architecture of plants were mainly provided by cytogenetic studies. Complementary to these analyses, chromosome conformation capture technologies promise to refine and improve our view on chromosomal architecture and to provide a more generalized description of nuclear organization.ResultsEmploying circular chromosome conformation capture, this study describes chromosomal architecture in Arabidopsis nuclei from a genome-wide perspective. Surprisingly, the linear organization of chromosomes is reflected in the genome-wide interactome. In addition, we study the interplay of the interactome and epigenetic marks and report that the heterochromatic knob on the short arm of chromosome 4 maintains a pericentromere-like interaction profile and interactome despite its euchromatic surrounding.ConclusionDespite the extreme condensation that is necessary to pack the chromosomes into the nucleus, the Arabidopsis genome appears to be packed in a predictive manner, according to the following criteria: heterochromatin and euchromatin represent two distinct interactomes; interactions between chromosomes correlate with the linear position on the chromosome arm; and distal chromosome regions have a higher potential to interact with other chromosomes.

Highlights

  • The packaging of long chromatin fibers in the nucleus poses a major challenge, as it must fulfill both physical and functional requirements

  • The current knowledge on chromosomal architecture in Arabidopsis is largely based on microscopic observations

  • We aimed to gain insights into higher-order chromatin organization based on Circular chromosome conformation capture (4C) technology, which promises to complement previously published fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments, and to reveal novel mechanisms governing chromosomal architecture

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The packaging of long chromatin fibers in the nucleus poses a major challenge, as it must fulfill both physical and functional requirements. Insights into the chromosomal architecture of plants were mainly provided by cytogenetic studies. Over the past 15 years, the field of epigenetics has grown rapidly, addressing basic questions about the long-term regulation of genes, and how diverse cell types reach their differentiated states. These studies have provided insights into the mechanisms that enable cells to differentiate into diverse cell types with distinct phenotypes, despite sharing exactly the same genotype

Objectives
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.