“Chromatin Architecture and Gene Regulation by Actin and Myosin in Health and Disease”

Chromosomes are arranged in distinct chromosome territories, within which chromatin is further organized into chromatin compartments and topologically associating domains (TADs). By orchestrating DNA loops and promoter-enhancer interactions, this spatial organization of the genome plays a crucial role in gene expression and ultimately has a critical impact on cell identity. Disruptions in these hierarchical layers of genome organization can lead to aberrant expression of entire gene programs, contributing to various diseases, including metabolic and genetic disorders. Understanding these spatial features provides critical insights into genome function and potential therapeutic strategies. Architectural proteins such as CTCF and cohesin have been shown to play key roles in genome organization. In this talk, I will primarily focus on the critical role of nuclear actin and myosin in regulating 3D genome organization at the chromatin level and how these mechanisms, once impaired, affect metabolic reprogramming in the context of tumorigenesis and differentiation, including adipogenesis.