title: Nuclear matrix - structure, function and pathogenesis.
abstract: The nuclear matrix (NM), or nuclear skeleton, is the non-chromatin, ribonucleoproteinaceous framework that is resistant to high ionic strength buffers, nonionic detergents, and nucleolytic enzymes. The NM fulfills a structural role in eukaryotic cells and is responsible for maintaining the shape of the nucleus and the spatial organization of chromatin. Moreover, the NM participates in several cellular processes, such as DNA replication/repair, gene expression, RNA transport, cell signaling and differentiation, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and carcinogenesis. Short nucleotide sequences called scaffold/matrix attachment regions (S/MAR) anchor the chromatin loops to the NM proteins (NMP). The NMP composition is dynamic and depends on the cell type and differentiation stage or metabolic activity. Alterations in the NMP composition affect anchoring of the S/MARs and thus alter gene expression. This review aims to systematize information about the skeletal structure of the nucleus, with particular emphasis on the organization of the NM and its role in selected cellular processes. We also discuss several diseases that are caused by aberrant NM structure or dysfunction of individual NM elements.
authors.affiliation: Zakład Genetyki, Wydział Biologii i Ochrony Środowiska, UMK w Toruniu; Pracownia Izotopowa i Analizy Instrumentalnej, Wydział Biologii i Ochrony Środowiska, UMK w Toruniu.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wasąg
authors.affiliation: Pracownia Izotopowa i Analizy Instrumentalnej, Wydział Biologii i Ochrony Środowiska, UMK w Toruniu.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lenartowski
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D004261:DNA Replication; D006801:Humans; D045170:Matrix Attachment Regions; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D015530:Nuclear Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D009687:Nuclear Proteins