A Lamin Associated Chromatin Model for Chromosome Organization

Abstract

We propose a simple model for chromatin organization based on the interaction of the chromatin fibres with Lamin proteins along the nuclear membrane. Lamin proteins are known to be a major factor that influences chromatin organization, and hence gene expression in the cells. Our polymer model explains the formation of lamin associated domains, and for heteropolymers with sequence control, can reproduce observed length distributions of LADs. In particular, lamin mediated interaction can enhance the formation of chromosome territories as well as the organization of chromatin into tightly packed heterochromatin and the loosely-packed gene-rich euchromatin regions.