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Kolackova, V.

Publications and source records attributed to Kolackova, V..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Chromatin compaction and spatial organization in rice interphase nuclei

Chromatin organization and its interactions are essential for biological processes such as DNA repair, transcription, and DNA replication. Detailed cytogenetics data on chromatin conformation, and the arrangement and mutual positioning of chromosome territories in interphase nuclei are still widely missing in plants. In this study, level of chromatin condensation in interphase nuclei of rice (Oryza sativa) and the distribution of chromosome territories (CTs) were analyzed. Super-resolution, stimulated emission depletion (STED), microscopy showed different level of chromatin condensation in leaf and root interphase nuclei. 3D immuno-FISH experiments with painting probes specific to chromosomes 9 and 2 were conducted to investigate their spatial distribution in root and leaf nuclei. Six different configurations of chromosome territories, including their complete association, weak association, and complete separation, were observed in root meristematic nuclei, and four configurations were observed in leaf nuclei. The volume of CTs and frequency of their association varied between the tissue types. The frequency of association of CTs specific to chromosome 9, containing NOR region, is also affected by the activity of the 45S rDNA locus. Our data suggested that the arrangement of chromosomes in the nucleus is connected to the position and the size of the nucleolus. HighlightSuper-resolution STED microscopy uncovered detailed chromatin ultrastructure; high level of differences in chromatin condensation and mutual positioning of chromosome territories between and within leaf and root meristem G1 were observed.

plant biology↗

A sample preparation procedure enables acquisition of 2-channel super-resolution 3D STED image of an entire oocyte

Super-resolution (SR) microscopy is a cutting-edge method that can provide detailed structural information with high resolution. However, the thickness of the specimen has been a major limitation for SR methods, and larger structures have posed a challenge. To overcome this, the key step is to optimize sample preparation to ensure optical homogeneity and clarity, which can enhance the capabilities of SR methods for the acquisition of thicker structures. Oocytes are the largest cells in the mammalian body and are crucial objects in reproductive biology. They are especially useful for studying membrane proteins. However, oocytes are extremely fragile and sensitive to mechanical manipulation and osmotic shocks, making sample preparation a critical and challenging step. We present an innovative, simple, and sensitive approach to oocyte sample preparation for 3D STED acquisition. This involves alcohol dehydration and mounting into a high refractive index medium. This extended preparation procedure allowed us to successfully obtain a unique 2-channel 3D STED super-resolution image of an entire mouse oocyte. By optimizing sample preparation, we can overcome the limitations of SR methods and obtain high-resolution images of larger structures, such as oocytes, Knowledge of which are important for understanding fundamental biological processes. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSO_LIThis study aimed to develop a successful sample preparation protocol for imaging mouse oocytes using 3D STED super-resolution microscopy. C_LIO_LIThe results showed that the oocyte sample was optically homogenous, enhancing the capability of the 3D STED method to capture high-resolution images throughout the full depth of the sample, resulting in highly similar SR images. C_LIO_LIThe 3D STED point spread function (PSF) pattern of the depletion laser was successfully secured throughout the entire volume of the sample, including the top and bottom. C_LIO_LIThis study presents the first-ever full volume 3D image of the mouse oocyte, which was acquired using a 2-channel 3D STED method. C_LI GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTIntroducing an extended sample preparation procedure resulted in an outstanding optical quality sample environment pronounced by high refractive index, high transparency, and minimal spherical aberration. This procedure allowed 3D STED within the entire oocyte. O_FIG_DISPLAY_L [Figure 1] M_FIG_DISPLAY C_FIG_DISPLAY

cell biology↗

DNA replication and chromosome positioning throughout the interphase in three-dimensional space of plant nuclei

Despite the recent progress, our understanding of the principles of plant genome organization and its dynamics in three-dimensional space of interphase nuclei remains limited. In this study, DNA replication timing and interphase chromosome positioning was analyzed in seven Poaceae species differing in genome size. A multidisciplinary approach combining newly replicated DNA labelling by EdU, nuclei sorting by flow cytometry, three-dimensional immuno-FISH, and confocal microscopy revealed similar replication timing order for telomeres and centromeres as well as for euchromatin and heterochromatin in all seven species. The Rabl configuration of chromosomes that lay parallel to each other and their centromeres and telomeres are localized at opposite nuclear poles, was observed in wheat, oat, rye and barley with large genomes, as well as in Brachypodium with a small genome. On the other hand, chromosomes of rice with a small genome and maize with relatively large genome did not assume proper Rabl configuration. In all species, the interphase chromosome positioning inferred from the location of centromeres and telomeres was stable throughout the interphase. These observations extend earlier studies indicating a more complex relation between genome size and interphase chromosome positioning, which is controlled by factors currently not known. HighlightTelomere and centromere replication timing and interphase chromosome positioning in seven grass species differing in genome size indicates a more complex relation between genome size and the chromosome positioning.

plant biology↗