Time-dependent effect of 1,6-hexanediol on biomolecular condensates and 3D chromatin organization

Biomolecular condensates have been implicated in multiple cellular processes. However, the global role played by condensates in 3D chromatin organization remains unclear. At present, 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HD) is the only available tool to globally disrupt condensates, yet the conditions of 1,6-HD vary considerably between studies and may even trigger apoptosis.

In this study, we first analyzed the effects of different concentrations and treatment durations of 1,6-HD and found that short-term exposure to 1.5% 1,6-HD dissolved biomolecular condensates whereas long-term exposure caused aberrant aggregation without affecting cell viability. Based on this condition, we drew a time-resolved map of 3D chromatin organization and found that short-term treatment with 1.5% 1,6-HD resulted in reduced long-range interactions, strengthened compartmentalization, homogenized A-A interactions, B-to-A compartment switch and TAD reorganization, whereas longer exposure had the opposite effects. Furthermore, the long-range interactions between condensate-component-enriched regions were markedly weakened following 1,6-HD treatment.

In conclusion, our study finds a proper 1,6-HD condition and provides a resource for exploring the role of biomolecular condensates in 3D chromatin organization.