Micromechanical basis of meiotic chromosome condensation and architecture

The Marko lab is subcontracted to carry out micromechanical experiments on isolated meiotic chromosomes, using unique facilities at Northwestern, and following the experimental approach described in the preliminary data of this grant. Micropipette-based micromanipulation and force measurement will be used to analyze the mechanics and structure of chromosomes isolated from meiotic cells. The cells and reagents for analysis will be developed by the Qiao lab according to the approach and protocols already established. The Marko lab will carry out the micromanipulation and imaging experiments. The experiments in the Marko lab will be aimed at quantifying the contribution of DNA and protein components of meiotic chromosomes to their structure and mechanics, analyzing why meiotic chromosomes are so much stiffer than mitotic ones (preliminary data), and carrying out analysis of the variation of meiotic chromosome stiffness through the meiotic cycle. Micromanipulation and chromosome imaging data will be collected in experiments in the Marko lab, analyzed, and then the Marko and Qiao labs will work together to make final figures and prepare papers for publication. The subcontract budget will support one graduate student at Northwestern who will be responsible for carrying out the micromanipulation and imaging experiments, as well as training of personnel from UIUC who will also be involved in experiments at Northwestern, and will also provide academic year salary support for Prof. Marko and a small materials budget to cover the cost of materials for the experiments.