Baxter, Jon (2012) A model for chromosome condensation based on the interplay between condensin and topoisomerase II. Trends in Genetics, 28 (3). pp. 110-117. ISSN 0168-9525

PDF Restricted to SRO admin only Download (602kB)

Abstract

The compaction of chromatin that occurs when cells enter mitosis is probably the most iconic process of dividing cells. Mitotic chromosomal compaction or ‘condensation’ is functionally linked to resolution of chromosomal intertwines, transcriptional shut-off and complete segregation of chromosomes. At present, understanding of the molecular events required to convert interphase chromatin into mitotic chromosomes is limited. Here, we review recent advances in the field, focusing on potential chromosomal compaction mechanisms and their importance to chromosome segregation. We propose a model of how metaphase chromosomes could be shaped based on the enzymatic activities of condensin and topoisomerase II in overwinding and relaxation of the DNA fiber during mitosis. We suggest that condensin overwinding is an important requirement for intertwine resolution by topoisomerase II and, together with the inhibition of transcription, contributes to cytological mitotic chromosome appearance or ‘condensation’

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	mitosis chromosome compaction condensin
Schools and Departments:	School of Life Sciences > Sussex Centre for Genome Damage and Stability
Research Centres and Groups:	Genome Damage and Stability Centre
Subjects:	Q Science > QH Natural history > QH0301 Biology > QH0426 Genetics Q Science > QH Natural history > QH0301 Biology > QH0426 Genetics > QH0447 Genes. Alleles. Genome
Depositing User:	Jon Baxter
Date Deposited:	15 Nov 2017 15:53
Last Modified:	15 Nov 2017 15:53
URI:	http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/71286

View download statistics for this item

📧 Request an update