5-Azadeoxycytidine induced undercondensation in the giant X chromosomes of Microtus agrestis.
Fibroblasts of female Microtus agrestis were treated with 5-azadeoxycytidine (5-aza-dCyd) at a final concentration of 10(-5) M during the last 2 h of culture. This cytidine analogue induces distinct undercondensation of the constitutive heterochromatin in the giant X chromosomes. The undercondensed heterochromatic thread exhibits longitudinal segmentation reminiscent of a chromomere pattern. In the late-replicating X chromosome, 5-aza-dCyd also inhibits condensation of the genetically inactivated euchromatin (facultative heterochromatin). The described effects of 5-aza-dCyd on the X chromosome structure appear to be incorporation independent.
Haaf
T
T
Department of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Federal Republic of Germany.
Schmid
M
M
D000818:Animals; D003411:Arvicolinae / Q000235:genetics*; D001374:Azacitidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D002460:Cell Line; D004261:DNA Replication; D000077209:Decitabine; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts; D006570:Heterochromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D007621:Karyotyping; D008677:Metaphase; D014178:Translocation, Genetic; D014960:X Chromosome / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D006570:Heterochromatin; D000077209:Decitabine; D001374:Azacitidine