The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics
Abstract In dividing cells, chromosomes are coated in a sheath of proteins and RNA called the mitotic chromosome periphery. This sheath is thought to confer biophysical properties to chromosomes, critical for successful cell division. However, the details of chromosome mechanics, and specifically, i...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Nature Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61755-5 |
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| author | Tania Mendonca Roman Urban Kellie Lucken George Coney Neil M. Kad Manlio Tassieri Amanda J. Wright Daniel G. Booth |
| author_facet | Tania Mendonca Roman Urban Kellie Lucken George Coney Neil M. Kad Manlio Tassieri Amanda J. Wright Daniel G. Booth |
| author_sort | Tania Mendonca |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract In dividing cells, chromosomes are coated in a sheath of proteins and RNA called the mitotic chromosome periphery. This sheath is thought to confer biophysical properties to chromosomes, critical for successful cell division. However, the details of chromosome mechanics, and specifically, if and how the chromosome periphery contributes to them, remain poorly understood. In this study, we present a comprehensive characterisation of single-chromosome mechanics using optical tweezers and an improved broadband microrheology analysis. We extend this analysis to direct measurements of the chromosome periphery by manipulating levels of Ki-67, its chief organiser, and apply a rheological model to isolate its contribution to chromosome mechanics. We report that the chromosome periphery governs dynamic self-reorganisation of chromosomes and acts as a structural constraint, providing force-damping properties. This work provides significant insight into chromosome mechanics and will inform our understanding of the mitotic chromosome periphery’s role in cell division. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e3eedb2d8e1d4b4faa75a52ace7b85d5 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2041-1723 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Nature Communications |
| spelling | doaj-art-e3eedb2d8e1d4b4faa75a52ace7b85d52025-08-20T03:43:16ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-07-0116111110.1038/s41467-025-61755-5The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanicsTania Mendonca0Roman Urban1Kellie Lucken2George Coney3Neil M. Kad4Manlio Tassieri5Amanda J. Wright6Daniel G. Booth7Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of NottinghamSchool of Biosciences, University of KentBiodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of NottinghamBiodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of NottinghamSchool of Biosciences, University of KentDivision of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, Advanced Research Centre, University of GlasgowOptics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of NottinghamBiodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of NottinghamAbstract In dividing cells, chromosomes are coated in a sheath of proteins and RNA called the mitotic chromosome periphery. This sheath is thought to confer biophysical properties to chromosomes, critical for successful cell division. However, the details of chromosome mechanics, and specifically, if and how the chromosome periphery contributes to them, remain poorly understood. In this study, we present a comprehensive characterisation of single-chromosome mechanics using optical tweezers and an improved broadband microrheology analysis. We extend this analysis to direct measurements of the chromosome periphery by manipulating levels of Ki-67, its chief organiser, and apply a rheological model to isolate its contribution to chromosome mechanics. We report that the chromosome periphery governs dynamic self-reorganisation of chromosomes and acts as a structural constraint, providing force-damping properties. This work provides significant insight into chromosome mechanics and will inform our understanding of the mitotic chromosome periphery’s role in cell division.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61755-5 |
| spellingShingle | Tania Mendonca Roman Urban Kellie Lucken George Coney Neil M. Kad Manlio Tassieri Amanda J. Wright Daniel G. Booth The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics Nature Communications |
| title | The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics |
| title_full | The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics |
| title_fullStr | The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics |
| title_full_unstemmed | The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics |
| title_short | The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics |
| title_sort | mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61755-5 |
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