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22.2: Relevant terminology

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    41051

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    Lamina Associated Domains(LADs)

    Lamina associated domains(LADs) are the portions of the chromatin that interact with the nuclear lamina. Mapping the interactions of the chromatin and the nuclear lamina provides insight towards mapping chro- mosome folding. While not much is known about LADs, it is known that these regions are closely related to both high gene expression and low gene density, an interesting combination. Additionally LADs are associated with CTCFs, promoters, and CPG islands along its borders.

    Histones

    Histones are highly alkaline proteins found eukaryotes that comprise the core of nucleosomes, packaging and ordering the nuclear DNA. An octamer form by 2 copies of the core histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 forms the nucleosome, which acts as a spool for DNA to wind around.

    Chromatin

    Chromatin is a complex form by DNA, proteins and RNA that generates the global architecture of DNA in eukaryote nuclei. Its main functions involve DNA packaging, reinforcing the DNA macromolecule to allow mitosis, preventing DNA damage, and regulating gene expression and DNA replication Most of the mechanisms underlying the formation and regulation of the structure of chromatin are largely unknown; however, during cell division, chromatin organizes by way of chromosomes.

    Chromosome territories (CT)

    Chromosomes are not randomly distributed throughout the nucleus. Chromosomes occupy specific regions of the nucleus. These regions are called chromosome territories.

    Gross folding principles

    This page titled 22.2: Relevant terminology is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Manolis Kellis et al. (MIT OpenCourseWare) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.