Abstract

The spatial organization of the genome within the nucleus plays a critical role in gene regulation and cellular processes. Insulator proteins are key players in establishing chromatin architecture and organizing the genome into functional domains. In this study, we investigated the relationship between insulator foci proximity and cellular nuclear morphology in Drosophila embryos. By employing advanced imaging techniques, we visualized insulator bodies and examined their distribution within the nuclei. Strikingly, we observed a correlation between the proximity of insulator foci and changes in nuclear morphology. Nuclei with closely located insulator foci exhibited an elongated and altered nuclear envelope compared to those with dispersed insulator foci. Manipulation of insulator protein expression levels further demonstrated the influence of foci proximity on nearby gene expression. Additionally, changes in nuclear morphology influenced the three-dimensional organization of the genome within the nucleus. These findings highlight the importance of insulator foci proximity in nuclear architecture and gene regulation, providing insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing cellular processes. Further investigations into these connections will deepen our understanding of nuclear organization and its impact on development and disease.

Keywords: Proximity; Gene regulation; Chromatin architecture; Developmental biology; Nuclear envelope