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Treatment with sodium butyrate inhibits the complete condensation of interphase chromatin

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Abstract

The effects of histone hyperacetylation on chromatin fiber structure were studied using direct observations with the electron microscope. Histone hyperacetylation was induced in HeLa cells by treatment with sodium butyrate, and the ultrastructure of control and of acetylated chromatin fibers examined after fixation at different stages of compaction. No differences between control and acetylated chromatin were seen when the fibers were partially unfolded (10 mM NaCl, 20 mM NaCl, 50 mM NaCl), but in 100 mM NaCl, control chromatin showed further compaction to the “30 nm” fiber, while hyperacetylated chromatin failed to undergo this final compaction step. These results strongly suggest that histone acetylation causes a moderate “relaxation” rather than complete decondensation of interphase chromatin fibers. The relationship of these findings to the increased DNase I sensitivity of acetylated chromatin, and to transcription and replication, is discussed.

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Author notes

  1. L. -L. Y. Frado

    Present address: Anatomy Department, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Boston College, 02167, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA

    A. T. Annunziato

  2. Zoology Department, University of Massachusetts, 01003, Amherst, MA, USA

    L. -L. Y. Frado & C. L. F. Woodcock

  3. Zymogenetics Inc., 2121 North 35th Street, 98103, Seattle, WA, USA

    R. L. Seale

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  1. A. T. Annunziato
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  2. L. -L. Y. Frado
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  3. R. L. Seale
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  4. C. L. F. Woodcock
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Annunziato, A.T., Frado, L.L.Y., Seale, R.L. et al. Treatment with sodium butyrate inhibits the complete condensation of interphase chromatin. Chromosoma 96, 132–138 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00331045

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00331045

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