Biophysical study of the globular organisation of interphase chromosomes

The globular model of interphase chromosomes is studied using methods involving the statistical physics of polymers. An interphase chromatid is represented as a flexible chain of structural sub-units, or superdomains (SDs). Each SD is simulated as a number of chromatin fibre loops fixed at a nuclear matrix core. A chain of SDs is further folded in the nucleus in a compact conformation owing to volumetric interactions between SDs. The algorithm used is extended to incorporate the chain anchorage at different points. Excluded volume effects are taken into account in Monte Carlo simulation both at the SD and whole chromosome level. A variety of structures is observed in computer experiments. The simulation results correlate with the available experimental data. (author)