A generative network model reveals hierarchical structural memory guiding post-mitotic 3D genome inheritance

HiCONA infers hierarchical 3D genome organization and shows that mitotically preserved chromatin interactions define distinct post-mitotic reassembly trajectories, linked to transcriptionally competent regulatory elements.

• Why it matters: It remains unclear how 3D genome organization is reestablished after mitosis while preserving gene regulatory programs and cell identity, balancing memory with adaptation.
• What they did: The study introduces HiCONA, a generative Bayesian framework that infers hierarchical genome organization and uses an Entropy Impact Score to quantify structural contributions of individual interactions across multiple scales.
• The result: Structurally impactful interactions retained during mitosis are enriched for active, transcriptionally competent regulatory elements, supporting a cis-encoded architectural memory that is later remodeled by trans-acting regulators.

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