Mechanosensing properties of mitotic chromosomes and chromosome assembly factors

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H03201
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 43040:Biophysics-related
• Research Institution: National Institute of Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Shimamoto Yuta 国立遺伝学研究所, 遺伝メカニズム研究系, 准教授 (80409656)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 染色体 / 紡錘体 / 細胞分裂 / 力学特性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This research project aimed at elucidating the biophysical properties of mitotic chromosomes in vertebrates. A novel assay integrating Xenopus egg cytoplasmic extracts with high-resolution confocal fluorescence imaging and force-calibrated microneedles allowed us to determine the force sensitivity of sister chromatid cohesion in anaphase and the contribution of topoisomerase II, a DNA decatenation enzyme. The project also involved the development and use of in vitro assays dissecting the mechanical properties of single mitotic chromosomes and DNA-crosslinking molecules such as cohesin and topoisomerase II.

Free Research Field

生物物理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

遺伝情報を格納する染色体の力学応答特性を高分解能で測ることのできる顕微鏡システムを開発し、細胞分裂期に染色体が示す機械感受性と背後の分子メカニズムを明らかにした。この機械感受性の消失は染色体の異数化やDNA損傷の原因となる可能性があり、がんなどの関連疾病のメカニズム解明に貢献する重要な生物物理学的知見となることが期待される。