Nucleoporin Elys attaches peripheral chromatin to the nuclear pores in interphase nuclei
Transport of macromolecules through the nuclear envelope (NE) is mediated by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) consisting of nucleoporins (Nups). Elys/Mel-28 is the Nup that binds and connects the decondensing chromatin with the reassembled NPCs at the end of mitosis. Whether Elys links chromatin with the NE during interphase is unknown. Using DamID-seq, we identified Elys binding sites in Drosophila late embryos and divided them into those associated with nucleoplasmic or with NPC-linked Elys. These Elys binding sites are located within active or inactive chromatin, respectively. Strikingly, Elys knockdown in S2 cells results in peripheral chromatin displacement from the NE, in decondensation of NE-attached chromatin, and in derepression of genes within. It also leads to slightly more compact active chromatin regions. Our findings indicate that NPC-linked Elys, together with the nuclear lamina, anchors peripheral chromatin to the NE, whereas nucleoplasmic Elys decompacts active chromatin. Author summaryHeterochromatin in interphase nucleus is localized mostly at the nuclear periphery. However, the forces maintaining its peripheral localization are not well understood. Nuclear envelope consists of two lipid bilayer membranes separated by perinuclear space. The inner nuclear membrane is lined by the nuclear lamina, and both membranes are pierced by nuclear pore complexes composed of nucleoporins. Nuclear envelope can serve as a scaffold to which heterochromatin is attached. In the present study, we identified nucleoporin Elys as one of the key players maintaining peripheral localization of heterochromatin during interphase. Elys binds to multiple genomic sites located within heterochromatin and thus links it to nuclear pore complexes. However, the nucleoplasmic fraction of Elys binds to active genes and enhancers, resulting in decompactization of their chromatin.