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J. Cell Biol.,
Volume 140, Number 5, March 9, 1998 975-989
Department of Cell and Structural Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
Recently we described a new method for in
situ localization of specific DNA sequences, based on
lac operator/repressor recognition (Robinett, C.C., A. Straight, G. Li, C. Willhelm, G. Sudlow, A. Murray,
and A.S. Belmont. 1996. J. Cell Biol. 135:1685-1700). We have applied this methodology to visualize the cell
cycle dynamics of an ~90 Mbp, late-replicating, heterochromatic homogeneously staining region (HSR) in
CHO cells, combining immunostaining with direct in
vivo observations. Between anaphase and early G1, the HSR extends approximately twofold to a linear, ~0.3-µm-diam chromatid, and then recondenses to a compact mass adjacent to the nuclear envelope. No further
changes in HSR conformation or position are seen
through mid-S phase. However, HSR DNA replication
is preceded by a decondensation and movement of the
HSR into the nuclear interior 4-6 h into S phase. During DNA replication the HSR resolves into linear chromatids and then recondenses into a compact mass; this is followed by a third extension of the HSR during G2/
prophase. Surprisingly, compaction of the HSR is extremely high at all stages of interphase. Preliminary ultrastructural analysis of the HSR suggests at least three
levels of large-scale chromatin organization above the
30-nm fiber.
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