Analysis of inactive X chromosome structure by in situ nick translation

Chromosoma. 1985;92(3):209-13. doi: 10.1007/BF00348695.

Abstract

Nick translation assays of fixed interphase female fibroblasts with tritiated nucleotides demonstrated a characteristic absence of label over sex chromatin. The chromatin bodies were nearly always peripheral in location and a ribbon of nick translatable DNA was detected between the sex chromatin and the nuclear envelope. High voltage electron microscopy indicated the possibility of a special nuclear envelope attachment region. The apparent resistance of sex chromatin to nick translation did not appear to be due to resistance to DNase I attack.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chromatin / ultrastructure
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / enzymology
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Humans
  • Interphase
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Protein Biosynthesis*
  • Thymine Nucleotides / metabolism
  • Tritium
  • X Chromosome / metabolism
  • X Chromosome / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Thymine Nucleotides
  • Tritium
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
  • thymidine 5'-triphosphate