Advances in imaging the interphase nucleus using thin cryosections.
The mammalian genome is partitioned amongst various chromosomes and encodes for approximately 30,000 protein-coding genes. Gene expression occurs after exit from mitosis, when chromosomes partially decondense within the cell nucleus to allow the enzymatic activities that work on chromatin to access each gene in a regulated fashion. Differential patterns of gene expression evolve during cell differentiation to give rise to the over 200 cell types in higher eukaryotes. The architectural organisation of the genome inside the interphase cell nucleus, and associated enzymatic activities, reveals dynamic and functional compartmentalization of the genome. In this review, I highlight the advantages of Tokuyasu cryosectioning on the investigation of nuclear structure and function.
Pombo
Ana
A
Nuclear Organisation Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK. ana.pombo@csc.mrc.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020541:Coiled Bodies / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016616:Cryoultramicrotomy / Q000379:methods*; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007399:Interphase; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence
D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases; C113275:RNA polymerase alpha subunit