Chromatin motion is constrained by association with nuclear compartments in human cells.
BACKGROUND
In comparison with many nuclear proteins, the movement of chromatin in nuclei appears to be generally constrained. These restrictions on motion are proposed to reflect the attachment of chromatin to immobile nuclear substructures.


RESULTS
To gain insight into the regulation of chromosome dynamics by nuclear architecture, we have followed the movements of different sites in the human genome in living cells. Here, we show that loci at nucleoli or the nuclear periphery are significantly less mobile than other, more nucleoplasmic loci. Disruption of nucleoli increases the mobility of nucleolar-associated loci.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report of distinct nuclear substructures constraining the movements of chromatin. These constraints reflect the physical attachment of chromatin to nuclear compartments or steric impairment caused by local ultrastructure. Our data suggest a role for the nucleolus and nuclear periphery in maintaining the three-dimensional organization of chromatin in the human nucleus.
Chubb
Jonathan R
JR
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Boyle
Shelagh
S
Perry
Paul
P
Bickmore
Wendy A
WA
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002451:Cell Compartmentation; D002466:Cell Nucleolus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D005347:Fibroblasts; D015894:Genome, Human; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D056968:Lac Repressors; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002843:Chromatin; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D056968:Lac Repressors; D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins