Nonlinear mechanics of human mitotic chromosomes.

ABSTRACT: In preparation for mitotic cell division, the nuclear DNA of human cells is compacted into individualized, X-shaped chromosomes¹. This metamorphosis is driven mainly by the combined action of condensins and topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A)^2,3, and has been observed using microscopy for over a century. Nevertheless, very little is known about the structural organization of a mitotic chromosome. Here we introduce a workflow to interrogate the organization of human chromosomes based on optical trapping and manipulation. This allows high-resolution force measurements and fluorescence visualization of native metaphase chromosomes to be conducted under tightly controlled experimental conditions. We have used this method to extensively characterize chromosome mechanics and structur

SUBMITTER: Meijering AEC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9117150 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature