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Condensins

Condensins

Condensins are large protein complexes that use ATP to fuel the assembly of chromosomes during mitosis. They transform the tangled, shapeless mass of post-interphase DNA into individualized chromosomes by compacting, organizing, and segregating chromosomal DNA.
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...

Condensins

Condensins

Condensins are large protein complexes that use ATP to fuel the assembly of chromosomes during mitosis. They transform the tangled, shapeless mass of post-interphase DNA into individualized chromosomes by compacting, organizing, and segregating chromosomal DNA.
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker proteins that...

Cell Migration

Cell Migration

Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Cell Migration

Cell Migration

Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.

Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression

Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression

Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area.
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the timing and level of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Cell Free Assay to Study Chromatin Decondensation at the End of Mitosis

A Cell Free Assay to Study Chromatin Decondensation at the End of Mitosis

Published on: December 19, 2015

Efficient cell migration requires global chromatin condensation.

Gabi Gerlitz¹, Michael Bustin

¹Protein Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, US National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. gerlitzg@mail.nih.gov

Journal of Cell Science

|June 10, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Cell migration requires global chromatin condensation, a process vital for development. Inhibiting chromatin decondensation also hinders cell migration, revealing a new role for chromatin structure.

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Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Cell Free Assay to Study Chromatin Decondensation at the End of Mitosis

A Cell Free Assay to Study Chromatin Decondensation at the End of Mitosis

Published on: December 19, 2015

Mapping Absolute DNA Density in Cell Nuclei using Single-molecule Localization Microscopy

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Published on: November 11, 2025

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Published on: September 20, 2018

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Epigenetics
Developmental Biology

Background:

Cell migration is crucial for multicellular organism development and survival.
The role of chromatin structure in dynamic cellular processes like migration is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between chromatin condensation and directed cell migration.
To elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking chromatin changes to cell movement.

Main Methods:

Scratch-wound assay to induce directed cell migration.
DNaseI sensitivity assays to assess chromatin accessibility.
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to analyze protein binding and histone modifications (H4K20me1, H3K27me3).
DNA methylation analysis.

Main Results:

Induced cell migration correlated with decreased DNaseI sensitivity, indicating chromatin condensation.
Specific histone marks (H4K20me1, H3K27me3) and DNA methylation increased during migration.
Chromatin decondensation significantly inhibited the rate of cell migration.
Inhibition of migration by chromatin decondensation occurred independently of transcription.

Conclusions:

Global chromatin condensation is essential for efficient cell migration.
Chromatin condensation facilitates nuclear reshaping and movement required for cell migration.
This study reveals a novel, non-genetic function of the chromatin fiber in regulating cell motility.