Chromatin histone modifications and rigidity affect nuclear morphology independent of lamins.

ABSTRACT: Nuclear shape and architecture influence gene localization, mechanotransduction, transcription, and cell function. Abnormal nuclear morphology and protrusions termed "blebs" are diagnostic markers for many human afflictions including heart disease, aging, progeria, and cancer. Nuclear blebs are associated with both lamin and chromatin alterations. A number of prior studies suggest that lamins dictate nuclear morphology, but the contributions of altered chromatin compaction remain unclear. We show that chromatin histone modification state dictates nuclear rigidity, and modulating it is sufficient to both induce and suppress nuclear blebs. Treatment of mammalian cells with histone deacetylase inhibitors to increase euchromatin or histone methyltransferase inhibitors to decrease heterochromat

SUBMITTER: Stephens AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5909933 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature