Epigenetic control of nuclear architecture.
The cell nucleus is a highly structured compartment where nuclear components are thought to localize in non-random positions. Correct positioning of large chromatin domains may have a direct impact on the localization of other nuclear components, and can therefore influence the global functionality of the nuclear compartment. DNA methylation of cytosine residues in CpG dinucleotides is a prominent epigenetic modification of the chromatin fiber. DNA methylation, in conjunction with the biochemical modification pattern of histone tails, is known to lock chromatin in a close and transcriptionally inactive conformation. The relationship between DNA methylation and large-scale organization of nuclear architecture, however, is poorly understood. Here we briefly summarize present concepts of nuclear architecture and current data supporting a link between DNA methylation and the maintenance of large-scale nuclear organization.
Espada
J
J
Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029, Madrid, Spain. mesteller@cnio.es
Esteller
M
M
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D023061:Gene Order; D006801:Humans