Spatio-temporal organization of DNA replication in murine embryonic stem, primary, and immortalized cells.
The extent to which chromosomal domains are reorganized within the nucleus during differentiation is central to our understanding of how cells become committed to specific developmental lineages. Spatio-temporal patterns of DNA replication are a reflection of this organization. Here, we demonstrate that the temporal order and relative duration of these replication patterns during S-phase are similar in murine pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells, primary adult myoblasts, and an immortalized fibroblast line. The observed patterns were independent of fixation and denaturation techniques. Importantly, the same patterns were detected when fluorescent nucleotides were introduced into living cells, demonstrating their physiological relevance. These data suggest that heritable gene silencing during commitment to specific cell lineages is not mediated by global changes in the sub-nuclear organization and replication timing of chromosome domains.
Panning
Margaret M
MM
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA.
Gilbert
David M
DM
D000818:Animals; D002461:Cell Line, Transformed; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000502:physiology*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D020868:Gene Silencing / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*