Polymer models of the organization of chromosomes in the nucleus of cells

Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms that control the organization of chromosomes in the space of the nucleus of cells, and its contribution to gene regulation, is a key open issue in molecular biology. New technologies have shown that chromosomes have a complex 3D organization, which dynamically changes across organisms and cell types. To understand such complex behaviors, quantitative models from polymer physics have been developed, to find the principles of chromosome folding, their origin and function. Here, we provide a short review of recent progress in such an important research field where Physical and Life Sciences meet.