ATP, Mg2+, nuclear phase separation, and genome accessibility

Wright, Roni H.G.; Le Dily, François; Beato, Miguel

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tibs.2019.03.001

ATP, Mg2+, nuclear phase separation, and genome accessibility

License

Citation

Wright RHG, Le Dily F, Beato M. ATP, Mg2+, nuclear phase separation, and genome accessibility. Trends Biochem Sci. 2019;44(7):565-74. DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2019.03.001

Abstract

Misregulation of the processes controlling eukaryotic gene expression can result in disease. Gene expression is influenced by the surrounding chromatin; hence the nuclear environment is also of vital importance. Recently, understanding of chromatin hierarchical folding has increased together with the discovery of membrane-less organelles which are distinct, dynamic liquid droplets that merge and expand within the nucleus. These 'sieve'-like regions may compartmentalize and separate functionally distinct regions of chromatin. This article aims to discuss recent studies on nuclear phase within the context of poly(ADP-ribose), ATP, and Mg2+ levels, and we propose a combinatorial complex role for these molecules in phase separation and genome regulation. We also discuss the implications of this process for gene regulation and discuss possible strategies to test this.