The genome in space and time: does form always follow function? How does the spatial and temporal organization of a eukaryotic genome reflect and influence its functions?
Recent systematic studies using newly developed genomic approaches have revealed common mechanisms and principles that underpin the spatial organization of eukaryotic genomes and allow them to respond and adapt to diverse functional demands. Genomes harbor, interpret, and propagate genetic and epigenetic information, and the three-dimensional (3D) organization of genomes in the nucleus should be intrinsically linked to their biological functions. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying both the topological organization of genomes and the various nuclear processes is still largely incomplete. In this essay, we focus on the functional relevance as well as the biophysical properties of common organizational themes in genomes (e.g. looping, clustering, compartmentalization, and dynamics), and examine the interconnection between genome structure and function from this angle. Present evidence supports the idea that, in general, genome architecture reflects and influences genome function, and is relatively stable. However, the answer as to whether genome architecture is a hallmark of cell identity remains elusive.
Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. zjduan@uw.edu
Zhijun
Z
Duan
Carl Anthony
CA
Blau
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D056426:Genetic Loci; D016678:Genome; D042822:Genomic Instability; D023281:Genomics / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013997:Time Factors
D002843:Chromatin