Efficient cell migration requires global chromatin condensation.
Cell migration is a fundamental process that is necessary for the development and survival of multicellular organisms. Here, we show that cell migration is contingent on global condensation of the chromatin fiber. Induction of directed cell migration by the scratch-wound assay leads to decreased DNaseI sensitivity, alterations in the chromatin binding of architectural proteins and elevated levels of H4K20me1, H3K27me3 and methylated DNA. All these global changes are indicative of increased chromatin condensation in response to induction of directed cell migration. Conversely, chromatin decondensation inhibited the rate of cell migration, in a transcription-independent manner. We suggest that global chromatin condensation facilitates nuclear movement and reshaping, which are important for cell migration. Our results support a role for the chromatin fiber that is distinct from its known functions in genetic processes.
Protein Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, US National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. gerlitzg@mail.nih.gov
Gabi
G
Gerlitz
Michael
M
Bustin
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I / Q000378:metabolism; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D036681:Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006570:Heterochromatin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D005819:Genetic Markers; D006570:Heterochromatin; D006657:Histones; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D004247:DNA; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I