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The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics

Author

Listed:
  • Tania Mendonca

    (University of Nottingham
    University of Nottingham)

  • Roman Urban

    (University of Kent)

  • Kellie Lucken

    (University of Nottingham)

  • George Coney

    (University of Nottingham)

  • Neil M. Kad

    (University of Kent)

  • Manlio Tassieri

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Amanda J. Wright

    (University of Nottingham)

  • Daniel G. Booth

    (University of Nottingham)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Tania Mendonca & Roman Urban & Kellie Lucken & George Coney & Neil M. Kad & Manlio Tassieri & Amanda J. Wright & Daniel G. Booth, 2025. "The mitotic chromosome periphery modulates chromosome mechanics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61755-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61755-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kayo Hibino & Yuji Sakai & Sachiko Tamura & Masatoshi Takagi & Katsuhiko Minami & Toyoaki Natsume & Masa A. Shimazoe & Masato T. Kanemaki & Naoko Imamoto & Kazuhiro Maeshima, 2024. "Single-nucleosome imaging unveils that condensins and nucleosome–nucleosome interactions differentially constrain chromatin to organize mitotic chromosomes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-18, December.
    2. Anna A. Ye & Stuart Cane & Thomas J. Maresca, 2016. "Chromosome biorientation produces hundreds of piconewtons at a metazoan kinetochore," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-9, December.
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