1,6-hexanediol rapidly immobilizes and condenses chromatin in living human cells

• DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202001005
• Publication Date: 2021-02-03T17:43:42Z
• Authors: Yuji Itoh; Shiori Iida; Sachiko Tamura; Ryosuke Nagashima; Kentaro Shiraki; Tatsuhiko Goto; Kayo Hibino; Satoru Ide; Kazuhiro Maeshima
• Keywords: Cell Nucleus; DNA-Binding Proteins; 0301 basic medicine; Glycols; 03 medical and health sciences; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Humans; Research Articles; Cells, Cultured; Chromatin; 3. Good health

Liquid droplets formed inside the cell by liquid-liquid phase separation maintain membrane-less condensates/bodies (or compartments). These are important for concentrating certain molecules and facilitating spatiotemporal regulation of cellular functions. 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HD), an aliphatic alcohol, inhibits weak hydrophobic protein-protein/protein-RNA interactions required droplet formation (droplet melting activity) is used here to elucidate process cytoplasmic/nuclear condensates/bodies. However, effect 1,6-HD on chromatin in living cells remains unclear. We found that drastically suppresses motion hyper-condenses human using live-cell single-nucleosome imaging, which detects changes state chromatin. effects were enhanced a dose-dependent manner. Chromatin was "frozen" 5%, or higher, concentrations 1,6-HD. greatly facilitated cation-dependent condensation vitro. This action distinct from its activity liquid droplets. Alcohols, such as 1,6-HD, appear remove water around locally condense Therefore, results obtained should be carefully interpreted reconsidered when these associated with