title: The nuclear matrix as a site of anticancer drug action.
abstract: Many nuclear functions, including the organization of the chromatin within the nucleus, depend upon the presence of a nuclear matrix. Nuclear matrix proteins are involved in the formation of chromatin loops, control of DNA supercoiling, and regulation and coordination of transcriptional and replicational activities within individual loops. Various structural and functional components of the nuclear matrix represent potential targets for anticancer agents. Alkylating agents and ionizing radiation interact preferentially with nuclear matrix proteins and matrix-associated DNA. Other chemotherapeutic agents, such as fludarabine phosphate and topoisomerase II-active drugs, interact specifically with matrix-associated enzymes, such as DNA primase and the DNA topoisomerase II alpha isozyme. The interactions of these agents at the level of the nuclear matrix may compromise multiple nuclear functions and be relevant to their antitumor activities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Oncology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: C V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Catapano
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000494:pharmacology; D002843:Chromatin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004250:DNA Topoisomerases, Type II / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D015530:Nuclear Matrix / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D002843:Chromatin; D004250:DNA Topoisomerases, Type II