Project description:Nucleus is a highly structured organelle and contains many functional compartments. While the structural basis for this complex spatial organization of compartments is unknown, a major component of this organization is likely to be the non-chromatin scaffolding called nuclear matrix (NuMat). Experimental evidence over the past decades indicates that most of the nuclear functions are at least transiently associated with the NuMat although the components of NuMat itself are poorly known. Here, we report NuMat proteome analysis from Drosophila melanogaster embryos and discuss its links with nuclear architecture and functions. In the NuMat proteome, we find structural proteins, chaperones related, DNA/RNA binding, chromatin remodeling and transcription factors. This complexity of NuMat proteome is an indicator of its structural and functional significance. Comparison of the 2D profile of NuMat proteome from different developmental stages of Drosophila embryos shows that less than half of the NuMat proteome is constant and rest of the proteins are stage specific dynamic components. This NuMat dynamics suggests a possible functional link between NuMat and the embryonic development. Finally, we also show that a subset of NuMat proteins remain associated with the mitotic chromosomes implicating their role in mitosis and possibly the epigenetic cellular memory. NuMat proteome analysis provides tools and opens up ways to understand nuclear organization and function.
Project description:Micro-C in Drosophila embryos from a wild-type line and from transgenic fly line twiΔE3, E3(+51kb) at 5-8 hrs after egg lay. Two independent collections were performed. Data from the two genotypes were analysed and compared to understand how the ectopic insertion of an enhancer affects global chromatin organization.
Project description:Chromatin is organized into a 3D interwoven tapestry of multi-layer architectural features important for controlling gene expression. How distinct layers influence each other and quickly they quickly they respond to cellular environment is unclear. Using Hi-C in Drosophila melanogaster, we measure how 3D chromatin organization responds to cellular hyperosmotic stress. In combination with the hd-pairing method, we demonstrate that chromosome unpairing represents a fast an reversible response to hyperosmotic stress. We identify a novel function of the Z4 protein as an anti-pairer, which we demonstrate is necessary for changes to chromatin organization during hyperosmotic stress. Finally, we demonstrate how changes to pairing impacts the other interwoven layers of 3D chromatin organization.