Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
10:04
A Filtration-based Method of Preparing High-quality Nuclei from Cross-linked Skeletal Muscle for Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
Published on: July 6, 2017
9.4K
Tuning nuclear rheology through transient chromatin cross-links
Yin-Dong Zhang1, Chao-Hao Wu1, Han-Xuan Shi1
1Xiamen University, Department of Physics and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, College of Physical Science and Technology, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China.
Physical Review. E
|January 21, 2026
Summary
This study reveals how protein-DNA interactions regulate the nucleolus's mechanical properties. Modulating these interactions controls nucleolar phase separation and viscoelasticity, crucial for nuclear organization.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Computational Biology
Background:
- The nucleolus is a key eukaryotic organelle involved in rRNA synthesis and nuclear organization.
- Its viscoelastic properties are linked to chromatin-protein interactions, but mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To computationally investigate chromatin-protein interactions within the nucleolus.
- To elucidate the mechanistic details driving nucleolar phase separation and mechanical responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a bead-spring polymer model for budding yeast nucleoli.
- Simulated dynamic interactions between DNA, structural proteins, and transcriptional regulators.
- Systematically varied cross-linking kinetics to analyze effects.
Main Results:
- Protein-DNA interaction strength critically influences nucleolar phase behavior and viscoelasticity.
- Protein-mediated bridging enhances nucleolar condensation and stress relaxation.
- Transient cross-linking plays a vital role in regulating nuclear mechanics.
Conclusions:
- Nucleolar mechanics are precisely regulated by protein-DNA interactions.
- Findings deepen understanding of nucleolar function and nuclear mechanics.
- Opens possibilities for genetic engineering and disease therapeutics.
Related Concept Videos
02:25Spreading of Chromatin Modifications
9.3K
The histone proteins in the nucleosomes are post-translationally modified (PTM) to increase or decrease access to DNA. The commonly observed PTMs are methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination of lysine amino acids in the histone H3 tail region. These histone modifications have specific meaning for the cell. Hence, they are called "histone code". The protein complex involved in histone modification is termed as "reader-writer" complex.
Writers
The writer...
Writers
The writer...
9.3K
02:35Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
24.7K
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...
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
24.7K
01:34Crossing Over
169.4K
Unlike mitosis, meiosis aims for genetic diversity in its creation of haploid gametes. Dividing germ cells first begin this process in prophase I, where each chromosome—replicated in S phase—is now composed of two sister chromatids (identical copies) joined centrally.
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process...
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process...
169.4K
02:21Chromatin Packaging
21.8K
Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter?
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order...
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order...
21.8K
03:17Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
7.3K
Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying...
7.3K
03:18Nuclear Stability
22.9K
Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
To hold positively charged protons together...
To hold positively charged protons together...
22.9K