MATR3-antisense LINE1 RNA meshwork scaffolds higher-order chromatin organization

Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) play essential roles in shaping chromatin states, while the factors that cooperate with LINEs and their roles in higher-order chromatin organization remain poorly understood. Here, we show that MATR3, a nuclear matrix protein, interplays with antisense LINE1 (AS L1) RNAs to form a meshwork via phase separation, providing a dynamic platform for chromatin spatial organization. MATR3 and AS L1 RNAs affect the nuclear localization of each other. After MATR3 depletion, the chromatin, particularly H3K27me3-modified chromatin, redistributes in the cell nuclei. Topologically associating domains (TADs) that highly transcribe MATR3-associated AS L1 RNAs show decreased intra-TAD interactions in both AML12 and ES cells. MATR3 depletion increases the accessibility of H3K27me3 domains adjacent to MATR3-associated AS L1, without affecting H3K27me3 modifications. Furthermore, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated MATR3 mutants alter biophysical features of the MATR3-AS L1 RNA meshwork and cause an abnormal H3K27me3 staining. Collectively, we reveal a role of the meshwork formed by MATR3 and AS L1 RNAs in gathering chromatin in the nucleus.

Automated summary

In this study, researchers discovered that the nuclear matrix protein MATR3 interacts with antisense LINE1 (AS L1) RNAs to form a meshwork through phase separation, which dynamically organizes chromatin spatially. MATR3 and AS L1 RNAs influence each other's nuclear localization. Depletion of MATR3 leads to redistribution of chromatin, particularly chromatin modified by H3K27me3. The meshwork formed by MATR3 and AS L1 RNAs plays a role in gathering chromatin in the nucleus.