A mitotic chromatin phase transition prevents perforation by microtubules.

ABSTRACT: Dividing eukaryotic cells package extremely long chromosomal DNA molecules into discrete bodies to enable microtubule-mediated transport of one genome copy to each of the newly forming daughter cells^1-3. Assembly of mitotic chromosomes involves DNA looping by condensin^4-8 and chromatin compaction by global histone deacetylation^9-13. Although condensin confers mechanical resistance to spindle pulling forces^14-16, it is not known how histone deacetylation affects material properties and, as a consequence, segregation mechanics of mitotic chromosomes. Here we show how global histone deacetylation at the onset of mitosis induces a chromatin-intrinsic phase transition that endows chromosomes with the physical characteristics necessary for their precis

SUBMITTER: Schneider MWG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9433320 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature