Global chromatin conformation differences in the Drosophila dosage compensated chromosome X

Nat Commun. 2019 Nov 25;10(1):5355. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-13350-8.

Abstract

In Drosophila melanogaster the single male chromosome X undergoes an average twofold transcriptional upregulation for balancing the transcriptional output between sexes. Previous literature hypothesised that a global change in chromosome structure may accompany this process. However, recent studies based on Hi-C failed to detect these differences. Here we show that global conformational differences are specifically present in the male chromosome X and detectable using Hi-C data on sex-sorted embryos, as well as male and female cell lines, by leveraging custom data analysis solutions. We find the male chromosome X has more mid-/long-range interactions. We also identify differences at structural domain boundaries containing BEAF-32 in conjunction with CP190 or Chromator. Weakening of these domain boundaries in male chromosome X co-localizes with the binding of the dosage compensation complex and its co-factor CLAMP, reported to enhance chromatin accessibility. Together, our data strongly indicate that chromosome X dosage compensation affects global chromosome structure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatin / chemistry
  • Chromatin / genetics*
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Chromosomes, Insect / genetics
  • Dosage Compensation, Genetic*
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genes, X-Linked / genetics
  • Male
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Transcriptional Activation
  • X Chromosome / genetics*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Drosophila Proteins