Bcl-2 is an integral component of mitotic chromosomes

Cell Biol Int. 2009 May;33(5):572-7. doi: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2009.02.012. Epub 2009 Mar 6.

Abstract

We previously demonstrated that phospho-Thr56 Bcl-2 colocalizes with Ki-67 and nucleolin in nuclear structures in prophase cells and is detected on mitotic chromosomes in later mitotic phases. To gain insight into the fine localization of Bcl-2 on mitotic chromosomes, we further investigated Bcl-2 localization by immunostaining of Bcl-2 with known components of metaphase chromosomes and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. Immunofluorescence analysis on HeLa mitotic cells together with chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that Bcl-2 is associated with the condensed chromatin. Co-immunostaining experiments performed on mitotic chromosome spreads demonstrated that Bcl-2 is not localized on the longitudinal axis of chromatids with the condensin complex, but partially colocalizes with histone H3 on some regions of the mitotic chromosome. Finally, most of the Bcl-2 staining overlaps with Ki-67 staining at the chromosome periphery. Bcl-2 localization at the periphery and over the mitotic chromosome was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy on mitotic cells. Our results indicate that Bcl-2 is an integral component of the mitotic chromosome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / metabolism
  • Chromosomes, Human / metabolism*
  • Chromosomes, Human / ultrastructure
  • HeLa Cells
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ki-67 Antigen / metabolism
  • Mitosis / physiology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Histones
  • Ki-67 Antigen
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2