Lamina-Associated Domains: Links with Chromosome Architecture, Heterochromatin, and Gene Repression

Cell. 2017 May 18;169(5):780-791. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.04.022.

Abstract

In metazoan cell nuclei, hundreds of large chromatin domains are in close contact with the nuclear lamina. Such lamina-associated domains (LADs) are thought to help organize chromosomes inside the nucleus and have been associated with gene repression. Here, we discuss the properties of LADs, the molecular mechanisms that determine their association with the nuclear lamina, their dynamic links with other nuclear compartments, and their proposed roles in gene regulation.

Keywords: LADs; chromosome architecture; gene repression; heterochromatin; lamina-associated domains; nuclear architecture.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus / chemistry*
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Chromatin / chemistry*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Heterochromatin
  • Humans
  • Lamins / metabolism
  • Nuclear Lamina / chemistry
  • Nuclear Pore / metabolism

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Heterochromatin
  • Lamins