Orientation and repositioning of chromosomes correlate with cell geometry-dependent gene expression.

ABSTRACT: Extracellular matrix signals from the microenvironment regulate gene expression patterns and cell behavior. Using a combination of experiments and geometric models, we demonstrate correlations between cell geometry, three-dimensional (3D) organization of chromosome territories, and gene expression. Fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments showed that micropatterned fibroblasts cultured on anisotropic versus isotropic substrates resulted in repositioning of specific chromosomes, which contained genes that were differentially regulated by cell geometries. Experiments combined with ellipsoid packing models revealed that the mechanosensitivity of chromosomes was correlated with their orientation in the nucleus. Transcription inhibition experiments suggested that the intermingling degree

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5541849 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature