Methods for mapping 3D-chromosome architecture around nucleoli

The nucleolus is the largest subcompartment of the nucleus, known to be the place of ribosome biogenesis. Emerging evi-dence has started to implicate the nucleolus in the organiza-tion of chromosomes in the nucleus. Genomic domains contacting the nucleolus are defined as nucleolar associated domains (NADs) and are generally characterized by repressive chromatin states. However, the role of the nucleolus in genome architecture remains still not fully understood mainly because the lack of a membrane has challenged the establishment of methods for accurate identification of NADs. Here, we will discuss recent advances on methods to identify and charac-terize NADs, discuss their improvements relative to old methods, and highlight future perspectives.

Automated summary

The nucleolus is an important subcompartment in the nucleus responsible for ribosome biogenesis. Recent studies have shown that it also plays a role in organizing the chromosomes in the nucleus. These genomic domains, called nucleolar associated domains (NADs), are characterized by repressive chromatin states. However, accurate identification of NADs has been challenging due to the lack of a membrane.