Single-Chromosome Micromanipulation Experiment

Single-Chromosome Micromanipulation Experiment
Marko Laboratory, Northwestern University

Field of view is approximately 100 microns.
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Second image is from a previous experiment.

The objective of this experiment is to study the structure of the mitotic chromosome, using unique biophysical techniques. We remove single mitotic chromosomes from dividing cells using micropipettes. Then, we suspend one chromosome between two pipettes, allowing us to measure its elasticity via bending of one pipette. In some experiments we spray the chromosome with biochemicals which make specific changes in its structure: we then observe changes via video microscopy and force measurement.

This experiment has been developed by Mike Poirier (UIC Ph.D. 2001), Lisa Pope (UIC postdoctoral researcher 2003-2005), Chee Xiong (UIC M.Eng. 2005), Ryo Kawamura (UIC Ph.D. student 2005-2008), Mingxuan Sun (NU IBiS Ph.D. student, 2007-2013), Jessica Hornick (NU postdoctoral researcher 2012-2016), Andrew Stephens (NU postdoctoral researcher, 2013-2019), and Ronald Biggs (NU IBiS Ph.D. student, 2014-present).

Supported by National Science Foundation Grants MCB-0240998 and MCB-1022117,
and National Institutes of Health Grants U54-CA143869 (NU-PS-OC),
U54-HD076188 (NU Center for Reproductive Research After Disease), R01-GM105847
and a subcontract to U54-DK107980 (4D Nucleome).
Marko Lab PubMed Publication List