title: Tomography of the cell nucleus using confocal microscopy and medium voltage electron microscopy.
abstract: Changes in nuclear structures are widely used by pathologists as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in cancer cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that the cell nucleus is probably the most complex organelle in the cell. It contains the genome and is the site of all related activities such as DNA repair, DNA duplication, RNA synthesis, RNA processing and RNA transport. These activities take place within dynamic three-dimensional compartments. The detailed study of these compartments requires an approach termed "cell tomography" based on 3D imaging using confocal microscopy and electron tomography. In this paper, we will first summarize the most recent findings concerning the organization of the cell nucleus. We will then describe markers used to identify molecules specific for various nuclear compartments and their use in tomography of the cell nucleus by confocal microscopy and electron tomography.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biology Iv Javakhishvili, Tbilissi State University, Tbilissi, Georgia.
authors.forename: Pavel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tchélidzé
authors.forename: Aurore
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chatron-Colliet
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thiry
authors.forename: Natahlie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lalun
authors.forename: Hélène
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bobichon
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ploton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002466:Cell Nucleolus / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002843:Chromatin / Q000502:physiology; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000502:physiology; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000502:physiology; D055032:Electron Microscope Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins