Nuclear Organization And Function

This volume is based on presentations by the world-renowned investigators who gathered at the 75th annual Cold Spring Harbor Symposium on Quantitative Biology to discuss the organization and function of the cell nucleus. It reviews the latest advances in research into nuclear structure, the organization of the genome within the nucleus, and spatiotemporal coordination of nuclear processes. The topics examined include nuclear domains, chromatin organization, transcription and RNA processing, DNA replication, nuclear reprogramming, and epigenetics. Cancer, premature aging syndromes, and other diseases that may be associated with altered nuclear organization are also covered.

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. These changes, consisting principally of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, maintain or modulate the initial impact of regulatory factors that recognize and associate with particular genomic sequences. Epigenetic modifications are manifest in all aspects of normal cellular differentiation and function, but they can also have damaging effects that result in pathologies such as cancer. Research is continuously uncovering the role of epigenetics in a variety of human disorders, providing new avenues for therapeutic interventions and advances in regenerative medicine. This book's primary goal is to establish a framework that can be used to understand the basis of epigenetic regulation and to appreciate both its derivation from genetics and interdependence with genetic mechanisms. A further aim is to highlight the role played by the three-dimensional organization of the genetic material itself (the complex of DNA, histones and non-histone proteins referred to as chromatin), and its distribution within a functionally compartmentalized nucleus. This architectural organization of the genome plays a major role in the subsequent retrieval, interpretation, and execution of both genetic and epigenetic information.

In recent years new discoveries have made this an exciting and important field of research. This exhaustive volume presents comprehensive chapters and detailed background information for researchers working with in the field of nuclear mechanics and genome regulation. Both classic and state-of-the-art methods readily adaptable and designed to last the test of time Relevant to clinicians and scientists working in a wide range of fields

Nuclear Structure and Gene Expression assimilates the contributions of genome organization and of the components of the nuclear matrix to the control of DNA and RNA synthesis. Nuclear domains which accommodate DNA replication and gene expression are considered in relation to short-term developmental and homeostatic requirements as well as to long-term commitments to phenotypic gene expression in differentiated cells. Consideration is given to the involvement of nuclear structure in gene localization as well as to the targeting and concentration of transcription factors. Aberrations in nuclear architecture associated with and potentially functionally related to pathologies are evaluated. Tumor cells are described from the perspective of the striking modifications in both the composition and organization of nuclear components. Nuclear Structure and Gene Expression presents concepts as well as experimental approaches, which define functionality of nuclear morphology. * Mechanisms of interaction between nuclear structure and genes * Gene expression regulation by elements of the nuclear matrix * How nuclear structure exerts a regulatory effect on other aspects of cell function/physiology

Research on the nuclear matrix has grown enormously since Bereney and Coffey first reported its isolation and initial characterization in 1974. Since then, more than 1000 papers have been published on the subject by numerous workers around the world. This is the first book devoted to reviewing the major developments in this growing field. Key Features * The chapters cover a variety of topics, including: * Isolation of the nuclear matrix * Nuclear structure morphology in situ * Structural domains of the nuclear matrix and its components * Biochemistry and molecular biology of the matrix proteins and associated DNA and RNA * Functional properties associated with the nuclear matrix * DNA replication * Transcription * RNA splicing * Transcription regulation * Intranuclear and nucleocytoplasmic transport and targeting * Cell cycle regulation

The dynamics of nuclear structures described in this book furnish the basis for a comprehensive understanding of how the higher-order organization and function of the nucleus is established and how it correlates with the expression of a variety of vital activities such as cell proliferation and differentiation. The resulting volume creates an invaluable source of reference for researchers in the field.