title: Shaping of interphase chromosomes by the microtubule network.
abstract: It is well established that microtubule dynamics play a major role in chromosome condensation and localization during mitosis. During interphase, however, it is assumed that the metazoan nuclear envelope presents a physical barrier, which inhibits interaction between the microtubules located in the cytoplasm and the chromatin fibers located in the nucleus. In recent years, it has become apparent that microtubule dynamics alter chromatin structure and function during interphase as well. Microtubule motor proteins transport several transcription factors and exogenous DNA (such as plasmid DNA) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Various soluble microtubule components are able to translocate into the nucleus, where they bind various chromatin elements leading to transcriptional alterations. In addition, microtubules may apply force on the nuclear envelope, which is transmitted into the nucleus, leading to changes in chromatin structure. Thus, microtubule dynamics during interphase may affect chromatin spatial organization, as well as transcription, replication and repair.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Israel.
authors.forename: Yael
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Maizels
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Israel.
authors.forename: Gabi
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6422-8715
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gerlitz
mesh_terms: D021581:Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007399:Interphase / Q000502:physiology*; D008868:Microtubule Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010957:Plasmids / Q000378:metabolism; D012568:Schizosaccharomyces / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D014771:Virion / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D008868:Microtubule Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors
keywords: DNA repair; MTOC; chromatin; dynein; interphase; kinesin; microtubules; nuclear envelope; nuclear transport; transcription