Abstract
Spatial chromatin organization is crucial for transcriptional regulation and might be particularly important in neurons since they dramatically change their transcriptome in response to external stimuli. We show that stimulation of neurons causes condensation of large chromatin domains. This phenomenon can be observed in vitro in cultured rat hippocampal neurons as well as in vivo in the amygdala and hippocampal neurons. Activity-induced chromatin condensation is an active, rapid, energy-dependent, and reversible process. It involves calcium-dependent pathways but is independent of active transcription. It is accompanied by the redistribution of posttranslational histone modifications and rearrangements in the spatial organization of chromosome territories. Moreover, it leads to the reorganization of nuclear speckles and active domains located in their proximity. Finally, we find that the histone deacetylase HDAC1 is the key regulator of this process. Our results suggest that HDAC1-dependent chromatin reorganization constitutes an important level of transcriptional regulation in neurons.
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•Stimulation of neurons induces condensation of large chromatin domains•Chromatin condensation is an active, reversible, and energy- and calcium-dependent process•Condensation is independent of transcription but fully relies on HDAC1 activity
Grabowska et al. show that neuronal cells respond to stimulation with condensation of large chromatin domains. This process is rapid, reversible, and energy-dependent. It is regulated by calcium-dependent signaling pathways and relies on the activity of HDAC1 histone deacetylase. It may constitute an important level of transcriptional regulation in neurons.