Dynamic Nuclear Structure Emerges from Chromatin Cross-Links and Motors

Kuang Liu, Alison E. Patteson, Edward J. Banigan, and J. M. Schwarz
Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 158101 – Published 14 April 2021
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Abstract

The cell nucleus houses the chromosomes, which are linked to a soft shell of lamin protein filaments. Experiments indicate that correlated chromosome dynamics and nuclear shape fluctuations arise from motor activity. To identify the physical mechanisms, we develop a model of an active, cross-linked Rouse chain bound to a polymeric shell. System-sized correlated motions occur but require both motor activity and cross-links. Contractile motors, in particular, enhance chromosome dynamics by driving anomalous density fluctuations. Nuclear shape fluctuations depend on motor strength, cross-linking, and chromosome-lamina binding. Therefore, complex chromosome dynamics and nuclear shape emerge from a minimal, active chromosome-lamina system.

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  • Received 16 August 2020
  • Accepted 22 February 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.158101

© 2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Physics of Living Systems

Authors & Affiliations

Kuang Liu1, Alison E. Patteson1, Edward J. Banigan2, and J. M. Schwarz1,3

  • 1Department of Physics and BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA
  • 2Institute for Medical Engineering and Science and Department of Physics, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
  • 3Indian Creek Farm, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA

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Issue

Vol. 126, Iss. 15 — 16 April 2021

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