Dynamics of structure-function relationships in interphase nuclei

The interphase nucleus is a topologically ordered, three-dimensional structure. While it remains unclear whether this structural organization also represents compartmentalization of function, the presence of the latter would likely be reflected in the spatial coupling of molecular factors involved i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Life Sciences 1999, Vol.64 (19), p.1703-1718
Main Authors: Park, Paul C., De Boni, Umberto
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cell Nucleolus - physiology
Cell Nucleus - physiology
Cell Nucleus - ultrastructure
Chromatin - ultrastructure
chromosome territories
Chromosomes - ultrastructure
DNase hypersensitive chromatin
Humans
Interphase
interphase nucleus
nuclear structure
RNA processing
RNA Splicing
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Summary:The interphase nucleus is a topologically ordered, three-dimensional structure. While it remains unclear whether this structural organization also represents compartmentalization of function, the presence of the latter would likely be reflected in the spatial coupling of molecular factors involved in related events. This review summarizes morphological evidence, derived from in situ experiments, which indicates the existence of compartmentalization of both chromatin and non-chromatin components in the interphase nucleus. Moreover, the review addresses the spatial relationships of these components relative to each other and correlates these spatial relationships with such nuclear functions as transcription, splicing and nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of pre-mRNA. Given that it is increasingly recognized that such spatial relationships are dynamic, the review also addresses the emerging concept that the spatial intranuclear organization changes with changes in cell function, a concept which supports the hypothesis that the spatial organization of the interphase nucleus may represent one of the fundamental control mechanisms in gene expression.
ISSN:0024-3205
1879-0631
DOI:10.1016/S0024-3205(99)00003-X