Chromosome Intermingling: Mechanical Hotspots for Genome Regulation. Issue 11 (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Uhler, Caroline; Shivashankar, G.V.
• Is Part Of: Trends in cell biology. Volume 27:Issue 11(2017)
• Page Start: 810
• Page End: 819
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Cytology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Research -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2017.06.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8924

Abstract

Abstract : Cells sense physical and chemical signals from their local microenvironment and transduce them to the nucleus to regulate genomic programs. In this review, we first discuss different modes of mechanotransduction to the nucleus. We then highlight the role of the spatial organization of chromosomes for integrating these signals. In particular, we emphasize the importance of chromosome intermingling for gene regulation. We also discuss various geometric models and recent advances in microscopy and genomics that have allowed access to these nanoscale chromosome intermingling regions. Taken together, the recent work summarized in this review culminates in the hypothesis that chromosome intermingling regions are mechanical hotspots for genome regulation. Maintenance of such mechanical hotspots is crucial for cellular homeostasis, and alterations in them could be precursors for various cellular reprogramming events, including diseases. Trends: Microenvironment signals are transmitted to the cell nucleus via both physical and biochemical intermediates. The spatial organization of chromosomes is critical to regulating microenvironmental control of gene expression. Intermingling regions between chromosomes are enriched with transcription factors and RNA Pol II. The functional clustering of genes is modulated by microenvironmental signals to exhibit differential gene expression programs.