1. Division of Molecular Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2. Department of Cell Biology and Genetics and,
3. Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Centre, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
4. Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 4, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands

Correspondence to: Bas van Steensel¹ Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to B.v.S. (Email: b.v.steensel@nki.nl).

Abstract

The architecture of human chromosomes in interphase nuclei is still largely unknown. Microscopy studies have indicated that specific regions of chromosomes are located in close proximity to the nuclear lamina (NL)^{1, 2, 3}. This has led to the idea that certain genomic elements may be attached to the NL, which may contribute to the spatial organization of chromosomes inside the nucleus. However, sequences in the human genome that interact with the NL in vivo have not been identified. Here we construct a high-resolution map of the interaction sites of the entire genome with NL components in human fibroblasts. This map shows that genome–lamina interactions occur through more than 1,300 sharply defined large domains 0.1–10 megabases in size. These lamina-associated domains (LADs) are typified by low gene-expression levels, indicating that LADs represent a repressive chromatin environment. The borders of LADs are demarcated by the insulator protein CTCF, by promoters that are oriented away from LADs, or by CpG islands, suggesting possible mechanisms of LAD confinement. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the human genome is divided into large, discrete domains that are units of chromosome organization within the nucleus.

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS

These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.