Chromatin condensation dynamics and implications of induced premature chromosome condensation

• Published in: Biochimie Vol. 95; no. 2; pp. 124 - 133
• Main Authors: Ravi, Maddaly, Nivedita, K., Pai, Govind M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier B.V 01.02.2013
• Subjects: Adenosine Triphosphatases - genetics; Adenosine Triphosphatases - metabolism; Animals; Cell Cycle Proteins - genetics; Cell Cycle Proteins - metabolism; Cell Division - genetics; Chromatin; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone - genetics; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone - metabolism; Cohesins; Condensation; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases - genetics; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases - metabolism; Cyclins - genetics; Cyclins - metabolism; Cytogenetics; Cytoplasm - metabolism; DNA - chemistry; DNA - genetics; DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; DNA-Binding Proteins - metabolism; Heterochromatin - chemistry; Heterochromatin - genetics; Humans; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins - genetics; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins - metabolism; Interphase - genetics; MPFs; Multiprotein Complexes - genetics; Multiprotein Complexes - metabolism; PCC; Saccharomyces cerevisiae - genetics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae - metabolism; SMCs; Cytogenetics; PCC; Chromatin; MPFs; SMCs; Condensation
• ISSN: 0300-9084; 1638-6183
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2012.10.001

Somatic cell cycle is a dynamic process with sequential events that culminate in cell division. Several physiological activities occur in the cytoplasm and nucleus during each of the cell cycle phases which help in doubling of genetic content, organized arrangement of the duplicated genetic material and perfect mechanism for its equal distribution to the two daughter cells formed. Also, the cell cycle checkpoints ensure that the genetic material is devoid of damages thus ensuring unaltered transmission of genetic information. Two important phenomena occurring during the cell cycle are the DNA condensation and decondensation cycles in the nucleus along with the cyclic expression and functioning of certain specific proteins that help in the same. Several protein families including Cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases, condensins, cohesins and surivins ensure error free, stage specific DNA condensation and decondensation by their highly specific, controlled orchestrated presence and action. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of chromatin compaction towards formation of the structural units, the chromosomes, give us valuable insights into the cellular physiology and also direct us to techniques such as premature chromosome condensation. The techniques of inducing ‘prophasing’ of interphase cells are undergoing rapid advances which have multidimensional applications for basic research and direct applications. ► The chromatin decondensation and condensation mechanisms are reviewed. ► The factors responsible for the DNA condensation are reviewed. ► The complex mechanisms involved in the chromatin morphology are presented. ► The PCC technique is reviewed. ► The applications of PCC technique is reviewed.