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A mitotic chromatin phase transition prevents perforation by microtubules (Nature 2022 Australia)
a substantial global reduction in chromatin solubility caused by deacetylation during mitotic entry converts chromosomes into phase-separated bodies rather than loose bottlebrush structures with chromatin fibre loops extending into the cytoplasm
The immiscible mitotic chromatin forms a surface that provides resistance to microtubule perforation while allowing local chromatin fibre sliding internally, as required for continuous dynamic loop formation by condensin
By contrast, hyperacetylated mitotic chromosomes lack a defined surface boundary, are frequently perforated by microtubules and are prone to missegregation.