Figure 4
Two levels of spatial organization may affect gene expression. In the first level (left), the association of gene loci with a nuclear pore (1), the nuclear periphery (2), or with specific nuclear bodies (3) could affect gene expression. At the second level (right), the compaction and organization of chromatin may influence gene activity. Decondensation from a thicker (4) to a thinner fiber (5) could affect transcription. In addition, outlooping (6) of the chromatin fiber may occur and also be involved in gene expression. Speckle domains and polymerase factories are associated with these active regions.
