A fractal model for nuclear organization: current evidence and biological implications.
Chromatin is a multiscale structure on which transcription, replication, recombination and repair of the genome occur. To fully understand any of these processes at the molecular level under physiological conditions, a clear picture of the polymorphic and dynamic organization of chromatin in the eukaryotic nucleus is required. Recent studies indicate that a fractal model of chromatin architecture is consistent with both the reaction-diffusion properties of chromatin interacting proteins and with structural data on chromatin interminglement. In this study, we provide a critical overview of the experimental evidence that support a fractal organization of chromatin. On this basis, we discuss the functional implications of a fractal chromatin model for biological processes and propose future experiments to probe chromatin organization further that should allow to strongly support or invalidate the fractal hypothesis.
CNRS, LAAS, 7 avenue du colonel Roche, Toulouse F-31077, France. abancaud@laas.fr
Aurélien
A
Bancaud
Christophe
C
Lavelle
Sébastien
S
Huet
Jan
J
Ellenberg
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017709:Fractals; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009502:Neutrons; D012212:Rheology; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
D002843:Chromatin