Evidence for interphase DNA decondensation transverse to the chromosome axis: a multicolor banding analysis.

In the present study a multicolor banding (MCB) analysis was performed to address the up to now unrequited question in which direction with respect to the axis chromosomes decondense in interphase. It could be demonstrated, that i) MCB produces a similar banding pattern in interphase as in metaphase; ii) that no complete decondensation and dispersion appears, which is in concordance with the concept of chromosome territories; and iii) chromosome decondensation happens square to chromosome axis. The presented data are important for a better understanding of nuclear architecture, however, further studies are required.