The function of nuclear architecture: a genetic approach

Eukaryotic genomes are distributed on linear chromosomes that are grouped together in the nucleus, an organelle separated from the cytoplasm by a characteristic double membrane studded with large proteinaceous pores. The chromatin within chromosomes has an as yet poorly characterized higher-order st...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annual review of genetics 2004-01, Vol.38 (1), p.305-345
Main Authors: Taddei, Angela, Hediger, Florence, Neumann, Frank R, Gasser, Susan M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cell Differentiation
Cell Nucleus - genetics
Chromatin
Chromosomes
Chromosomes - genetics
DNA Replication
Gene Expression
Humans
Interphase
Lamins - genetics
Lamins - metabolism
Models, Biological
Nuclear Envelope - genetics
Nuclear Envelope - metabolism
Nuclear Lamina - genetics
Nuclear Lamina - metabolism
Nuclear Proteins - genetics
Nuclear Proteins - metabolism
Protein Binding
Telomere - genetics
Telomere - metabolism
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Summary:Eukaryotic genomes are distributed on linear chromosomes that are grouped together in the nucleus, an organelle separated from the cytoplasm by a characteristic double membrane studded with large proteinaceous pores. The chromatin within chromosomes has an as yet poorly characterized higher-order structure, but in addition to this, chromosomes and specific subchromosomal domains are nonrandomly positioned in nuclei. This review examines functional implications of the long-range organization of the genome in interphase nuclei. A rigorous test of the physiological importance of nuclear architecture is achieved by introducing mutations that compromise both structure and function. Focussing on such genetic approaches, we address general concepts of interphase nuclear order, the role of the nuclear envelope (NE) and lamins, and finally the importance of spatial organization for DNA replication and heritable gene expression.
ISSN:0066-4197
1545-2948
DOI:10.1146/annurev.genet.37.110801.142705