'Sloughing-off' of heterochromatin in Werner's syndrome cells during high-temperature phosphate incubation

Previous investigations of cells undergoing rapid division revealed the presence of heterochromatic 'dots' in chromosomes as well as numerous chromocentres in interphase nuclei. Such structures were seen in human embryonic cells, as well as cells from organisms capable of regeneration, and cells from various malignancies. Cells with a reduced capacity for reproduction were found to be virtually devoid of nuclear chromocentres and chromosome dots after incubation in phosphate buffer at high temperature. The lack of heterochromatin in such cells (Werner's syndrome) thereby explained their reduced capacity for cell division and the resultant rapid rate of aging in individuals afflicted. Re-examination of such slides containing these cells revealed that chromocentres and chromosome dots were present initially, but the incubation process resulted in a 'sloughing-off' of such structures. The incubation process left these heterochromatic structures intact in malignant and control cells, inferring a link between cell proliferation and stable intact heterochromatin. These findings implicate heterochromatin as the object of the purported chromosomal instability factor characteristic of Werner's syndrome. The loss of heterochromatin did not result in chromosome breakage, suggesting that heterochromatin may not be an integral part of chromosome structure, but rather a surface feature or covering.     

Chromocentre integrity and epigenetic marks

The epigenetic modification of histones dictates the formation of euchromatin and heterochromatin domains. We studied the effects of a deficiency of histone methyltransferase, SUV39h, and trichostatin A-dependent hyperacetylation on the structural stability of centromeric clusters, called chromocentres. We did not observe the expected disintegration of chromocentres, but both SUV39h deficiency and hyperacetylation in SUV39h+/+ cells induced the re-positioning of chromocentres closer to the nuclear periphery. Conversely, TSA treatment of SUV39h?/? cells re-established normal nuclear radial positioning of chromocentres. This structural re-arrangement was likely caused by several epigenetic events at centromeric heterochromatin. In particular, reciprocal exchanges between H3K9me1, H3K9me2, H3K9me3, DNA methylation, and HP1 protein levels influenced chromocentre nuclear composition. For example, H3K9me1 likely substituted for the function of H3K9me3 in chromocentre nuclear arrangement and compaction. Our results illustrate the important and interchangeable roles of epigenetic marks for chromocentre integrity. Therefore, we propose a model for epigenetic regulation of nuclear stability of centromeric heterochromatin in the mouse genome.     

Number of chromocentres in the nuclei of mouse Sertoli cells in relation to the strain and age of males from puberty to senescence

Nuclei of mouse Sertoli cells were examined on air-dried toluidine blue-stained preparations to analyse factors influencing the aggregation of heterochromatin into chromocentres. For the CBA strain males tested at 1.3, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age, mean numbers of heterochromatin bodies were 4.8, 2.4, 2.1, 1.8, 1.6 and 1. 4, respectively; two chromocentres predominated from 2 to 9 months of age. In the KE strain, heterochromatin aggregation was significantly accelerated; nuclei containing only one chromocentre were predominant from 6 months. The number of chromocentres did not change with the stages of the seminiferous cycle, and after 1 month of cryptorchid condition. Cryptorchidism resulted in disruption of spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell dysfunction, as demonstrated by the lack of immunohistochemically detectable androgen receptors. The difference in the number of chromocentres between KE and CBA Sertoli cells persisted after 3 days of in vitro culture, but unidentified cells with numerous chromatin bodies were also observed. Testing recombinant inbred strains indicates that at least two genes are involved in the difference in the number of chromocentres between progenitor KE and CBA strains; however, no correlations were found with 15 marker loci or with parameters linked to reproduction. Of the eight strains tested, AKR and C3H showed a 'CBA-like' chromocentre pattern; C57BL, B10.BR, B10.BR-Y(del) and KP were 'KE-like'; and BALB/c and DBA/2 were intermediate. The results showed that centromere aggregation in the Sertoli cell progresses throughout the life of a male in a strain specific manner; however, its functional significance remains unknown.     

Stability of spatial interactions between chromocenters and pre-kinetochores in the interphase murine cells

It is known that in mice the centromeric heterochromatin remains compact during the whole cell cycle and at interphase is referred to as "chromocentres". In the current study, by the use of antibodies against prekinetochores and DNA polymerase (a PCNA antigen), we showed that in murine L929 cells chromocentres remain spatially associated with prekinetochores during the entire interphase, including the late S-period, when DNA chromocentres replicate. Augmentation of prekinetochore fluorescence increases concomitantly with the heterochromation replication, but the prekinetochore duplication occurs only in G2 period. A conclusion has been made that murine interphase cells can be used for biochemical fractionation of chromocentres associated with prekinetochore proteins.     

The ultrastructure and properties of centromeric heterochromatin in cultured bovine trachea cells]

The fine organization of the centromere structural heterochromatin (CSH) in a cell culture of calf trachea (TR) was studied by the methods of light and electron microscopy after fixation in native conditions and after treatments with water Henk's solutions and solutions of Ca2+ of different concentrations. In interphase nuclei the CSH forms compact blocks--the chromocentres, which are connected with the nuclear envelope or the nucleolus. The diameter of the main class of DNP fibers in the CSH, chromosomal arms and chromocentres after fixation of control cells and after treatment with 50% Henk's solution is 20-25 nm. 10-15 nm DNP fibers are largely found in the contacts with kinetochores. After 20% Henk's solution treatment 10-15 nm fibers predominate in the CSH and chromosomal arms. A chromonema--a 100 nm chromatin fiber--is detected in the CSH after treatments with different concentrations of Ca2+ solutions, as well after fixation in native conditions. The peculiarity of structural organization and properties of the calf CSH at interphase and mitosis as compared with analogous regions in mouse chromosomes are suggested to be connected with the composition of its DNA and proteins.     

Critical electrolyte concentration of the heterochromatin and euchromatin of Triatoma infestans

The binding of toluidine blue molecules under Mg2+ competitive staining conditions was investigated in chromocentres and the euchromatin of single- and multi-chromocentred nuclei of Triatoma infestans Malpighian tubule cells. It was demonstrated that the chromocentre of single-chromocentred nuclei exhibited the largest critical electrolyte concentration (CEC) value (0.4 M), followed by the chromocentres of multi-chromocentred nuclei (0.3 M) and the euchromatin (0.2 M). The differences in CEC values were assumed to be due to differences in availability of free DNA phosphates and in packing states of the DNA-protein complexes of these chromatin types. Differences in chromatin supra-organization were evident for the chromocentral heterochromatin of single vs multi-chromocentred nuclei. This was also valid for the chromocentral heterochromatin in some multi-chromocentred nuclei, when one of the heterochromatic bodies was especially larger than the others.     

Markierungsmuster nach H3-Thymidineinbau in Kernen der Hypokotylzellen von Sinapis alba L.

DNA-synthesis in the hypocotyls of Sinapis alba L. was studied with H³-thymidine labelling. Cells from hypocotyl segments were stained by the Feulgen-method and squash preparations were made. The following labelling patterns were observed: 1. Labelling of the chromocentres only. 2. Nuclear area evenly labelled. 3. No radioactivity in the chromocentres. This pattern was rarely seen. — The frequency of the first two types in different tissue segments is not equal. In segments with more differentiated cells there was an increase in the percentage of nuclei with radioactivity only in the chromocentres. This could be due to a prolongation of the phase of synthesis in the chromocentres in this tissue. — The total number of labelled nuclei decreases basipetally as well as with the age of the hypocotyl. In hypocotyls of seedlings older than 52 hrs radioactivity appeared only sporadically in the nuclei. The decrease in the number of labelled nuclei is faster than the decline of the corresponding measurable total DNA synthesis in the hypocotyl. This can either be due to extra nuclear DNA synthesis or depend on an increase in DNA synthesis in the later replicating heterochromatic region of the nucleus.     

Visualization of chromatin distribution in living PTO cells by Hoechst 33342 fluorescent staining

Chromatin distribution was visualized in living cells with the selective DNA fluorochrome Hoechst 33342. This dye was shown to be non-toxic on the rat kangaroo PTO cell line by measuring the labelled cell growth rate. The aim of this work was firstly to visualize chromatin distribution without fixation or dehydration and secondly to demonstrate that quantitative determination of DNA content was possible under these non-toxic labelling conditions. During interphase, condensed, decondensed and thin network chromatin configurations were visualized. In nucleolar regions the fluorochrome revealed well-defined chromocentres. During mitosis, fluorescent chromosome banding was observed in vital conditions and chromocentres on fixed chromosomes. Chromatin segregation was visualized after micronucleation, which induced chromosomal set distribution in individual micronuclei. By this means, we demonstrated that the chromocentres observed in interphase nuclei were part of nuclear organizer region (NOR)-bearing chromosomes. This vital staining of chromatin was shown to be compatible with the quantitative determination of DNA content, both in living PTO cells and in isolated nuclei.     

Characterization of different types of condensed chromatin inCostus (Zingiberaceae)

The chromatin structure of six diploids species ofCostus was analysed using conventional Giemsa staining, C-banding and DAPI/CMA fluorochromes. The interphase nuclei in all the species show an areticulate structure and the prophase chromosomes show large blocks of proximal condensed chromatin. After banding procedures, each chromosome exhibits only centromeric dot-like DAPI⁺/CMA^– C-bands whereas the satellites (one pair at each karyotype) are weakly stained after C-banding and show a DAPI^–/CMA⁺ fluorescence. Two chromocentres show bright fluorescence with CMA and weak staining after C-banding whereas the others chromocentres show only a small fraction of DAPI⁺ heterochromatin. These results were interpreted to mean that the greater part of the condensed chromatin has an euchromatic nature whereas two types of well localized heterochromatin occur in a small proportion. The Z-stage analysis suggests that heterochromatin and condensed euchromatin decondense at different times. The chromosome number and morphology of all species are given and the implications of the condensed euchromatin are discussed.Dedicated to Prof.Elisabeth Tschermak-Woess on the occasion of her 70th birthday.     

A nuclear lamina‐chromatin‐Ran GTPase axis modulates nuclear import and DNA damage signaling

The Ran GTPase regulates nuclear import and export by controlling the assembly state of transport complexes. This involves the direct action of RanGTP, which is generated in the nucleus by the chromatin‐associated nucleotide exchange factor, RCC1. Ran interactions with RCC1 contribute to formation of a nuclear:cytoplasmic (N:C) Ran protein gradient in interphase cells. In previous work, we showed that the Ran protein gradient is disrupted in fibroblasts from Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) patients. The Ran gradient disruption in these cells is caused by nuclear membrane association of a mutant form of Lamin A, which induces a global reduction in heterochromatin marked with Histone H3K9me3 and Histone H3K27me3. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that heterochromatin controls the Ran gradient. Chemical inhibition and depletion of the histone methyltransferases (HMTs) G9a and GLP in normal human fibroblasts reduced heterochromatin levels and caused disruption of the Ran gradient, comparable to that observed previously in HGPS fibroblasts. HMT inhibition caused a defect in nuclear localization of TPR, a high molecular weight protein that, owing to its large size, displays a Ran‐dependent import defect in HGPS. We reasoned that pathways dependent on nuclear import of large proteins might be compromised in HGPS. We found that nuclear import of ATM requires the Ran gradient, and disruption of the Ran gradient in HGPS causes a defect in generating nuclear γ‐H2AX in response to ionizing radiation. Our data suggest a lamina–chromatin–Ran axis is important for nuclear transport regulation and contributes to the DNA damage response.     

Über polykomplexartige Strukturen in den Kernen vonLupinus polyphyllus

In electron micrographs ofLupinus polyphyllus nuclei some of the chromocentres exhibit two distinct regions, a network-like (NR) and a banded one (GR). This heterogeneous type of chromocentres was observed in nearly all cells of vegetative and reproductive tissues (root, leaf primordium of the seedling, young and older foliage leaves, carpel, young and older ovules and pericarp), with the exception of pollen mother cells during the first meiotic division. Results of enzymatic digestion show that GR and NR mainly consist of DNA. These observations suggest that GR and the polycomplexes represent different nuclear phenomena.

Herrn Univ.-Prof. Dr.Walter Leinfellner zum 70. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

Analysis of Y chromosome heterochromatin in Rumex thyrsiflorus

The Y chromosome heterochromatin in Rumex thyrsiflorus has been analyzed. In natural populations the Y chromosome shows a higher morphological variability than the X chromosome. The total duration of replication of Y chromosomes is about 2 hrs longer than that of euchromatin. Autoradiography with tritiated thymidine showed that chromocentres formed by Y chromosomes in interphase nuclei retain their heterochromatic form during DNA replication. — Y chromosome heterochromatin in interphase nuclei is stained pink, while the rest of the nucleus stains green after fast green-eosin staining for histones. — During the premeiotic stage of PMC development Y chromosomes are no longer visible as compact bodies and become more fuzzy in appearance. A diffuse state of Y coincides with intense RNA synthesis. Therefore genetic activity of Y chromosomes or their parts during premeiotic stage of microsporogenesis is postulated.     

Interrelationship between chromocentres and chiasmata in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

A comparative study of the number and distribution of chromocentres in interphase nuclei and mean chiasma frequency at diakinesis has been made in three varietal populations of radish (Raphanus sativus L.), Scarlet Globe, Japanese White and Chinese White. The study showed a significant difference between the varietal populations in mean chiasma frequency and number of chromocentres (P<0.001), indicating that these nuclear characters are genotypically controlled. The correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between chromocentres and chiasma frequency (r= -0.87). It was concluded that an increase in the amount of constitutive heterochromatin, as inferred by chromocentre counts, adversely affects the chiasma frequency and, consequently, genetic recombination in radish.     

Nuclear behaviour in callus cells: Morphology and division

The cells of some pea, tobacco and haplopappus callus strains reveal considerable variability in nuclear morphology (polymorphous nuclei, differences in nucleolar size and number, enlarged chromocentres) and chromosome counts. The specific features in the nuclear morphology of callus cells are related with some pecularities in the reproduction activity of these cells (amplification, amitosis, fragmentation, various deviations from normal mitosis) under cultural conditions including both the definite action of the culture system and the absence of the regulatory control by the intact organism.     

Expression of blood group A and B antigens in nuclear heterochromatin in mucous cells of human cervical glands.

Using a post-embedding immunogold labeling procedure, we found that monoclonal antibody against A (MAb-A) or B antigen (MAb-B) reacted with nuclear heterochromatin regions, as well as secretory granules, in mucous cells of human cervical glands. Systematic and critical observation of specimens from 24 individuals of different blood groups revealed that the labeling pattern with MAb with strictly dependent on the blood group (A,B, or O) of the donors, i.e., MAb-A reacted with the heterochromatin from blood group A and AB but not with B and O individuals. Labeling with MAb-B was also specific for the heterochromatin from blood group B donors. On the other hand, MAb against H antigen did not react with the heterochromatin from any individuals examined, despite the fact that H antigens were detected by the MAb in secretory granules. Such specific reactions provide evidence that certain types of blood group-related antigens exist in the nuclear heterochromatin in mucous cells of human cervical glands. In contrast to the secretory granules in which ABH antigens were recognized by blood group-specific lectin, heterochromatin regions had little or no affinity for these lectins. Furthermore, the secretory status of individuals affected the staining intensity with MAb in secretory granules but not in the heterochromatin. These results suggest that the blood group substances found in the heterochromatin may have different molecular properties from those in the secretory granules, although both have the same determinant structures of ABH antigens.     

Protein Tpr is required for establishing nuclear pore‐associated zones of heterochromatin exclusion

Amassments of heterochromatin in somatic cells occur in close contact with the nuclear envelope (NE) but are gapped by channel‐ and cone‐like zones that appear largely free of heterochromatin and associated with the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). To identify proteins involved in forming such heterochromatin exclusion zones (HEZs), we used a cell culture model in which chromatin condensation induced by poliovirus (PV) infection revealed HEZs resembling those in normal tissue cells. HEZ occurrence depended on the NPC‐associated protein Tpr and its large coiled coil‐forming domain. RNAi‐mediated loss of Tpr allowed condensing chromatin to occur all along the NE's nuclear surface, resulting in HEZs no longer being established and NPCs covered by heterochromatin. These results assign a central function to Tpr as a determinant of perinuclear organization, with a direct role in forming a morphologically distinct nuclear sub‐compartment and delimiting heterochromatin distribution.     

The nuclear lamina and heterochromatin: a complex relationship

In metazoan cells, the heterochromatin is generally localized at the nuclear periphery, whereas active genes are preferentially found in the nuclear interior. In the present paper, we review current evidence showing that components of the nuclear lamina interact directly with heterochromatin, which implicates the nuclear lamina in a mechanism of specific gene retention at the nuclear periphery and release to the nuclear interior upon gene activation. We also discuss recent data showing that mutations in lamin proteins affect gene positioning and expression, providing a potential mechanism for how these mutations lead to tissue-specific diseases.