The multi-scale structure of chromatin in the nucleus

The DNA in a human cell which is ~2 meters long is packed in a ~10 μm radius nucleus. It is immersed in a condensed soup of proteins, RNA and enzymes and it is highly dynamic, while it must stay organized to prevent chromosome entanglement and for ensuring proper genome expression.

Studying this nanometer – micrometer scale structure requires to use both high spatial and temporal resolutions and we combine comprehensive live-cell and molecular methods.

The results allowed us to identify lamin A as the main player in the chromatin organization mechanism. It forms chromatin loops in the whole nuclear volume thereby restricting the chromatin dynamics increasing its elasticity and rigidity. Together with other mechanisms, it takes part in controlling gene expression and provides the nucleus its rigidity that is important even for preventing cell metastasis