Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
05:43
Capturing Cytoskeleton-Based Agitation of the Mouse Oocyte Nucleus Across Spatial Scales
Published on: January 12, 2024
Exploring the relationship between interphase gene positioning, transcriptional regulation and the nuclear matrix
Lauren S Elcock1, Joanna M Bridger
1Laboratory of Nuclear and Genomic Health, Centre for Cell and Chromosome Biology, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
Biochemical Society Transactions
|January 16, 2010
Summary
Genome organization in cell nuclei is non-random, with chromosomes forming distinct territories. Gene density correlates with radial positioning in proliferating cells, with gene-poor regions at the edge and gene-rich regions internally.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has revealed non-random genome organization in interphase nuclei.
- Individual chromosomes occupy distinct regions called territories.
- The spatial positioning of these territories is a subject of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the factors influencing spatial positioning of chromosome territories within nuclei.
- To explore the functional significance of global genome organization.
- To assess if global organization reflects local-scale organization, considering transcription factories and the nuclear matrix.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on interphase genome organization.
- Analysis of data from fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies.
- Consideration of models involving transcription factories and the nuclear matrix.
Main Results:
- Chromosome territories are organized non-randomly within interphase nuclei.
- In proliferating cells, a correlation exists between radial positioning and gene density.
- Gene-poor chromosomes are typically located towards the nuclear periphery, while gene-rich chromosomes are more internal.
Conclusions:
- The spatial organization of the genome within the nucleus is a key aspect of cellular function.
- The correlation between gene density and radial positioning suggests functional implications for genome architecture.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the roles of transcription factories and the nuclear matrix in genome organization.
Related Concept Videos
02:35Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area.
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the timing and level of...
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the timing and level of...
02:41Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing
In eukaryotic cells, nascent mRNA transcripts need to undergo many post-transcriptional modifications to reach the cell cytoplasm and translate into functional proteins. For a long time, transcription and pre-mRNA processing were considered two independent events that occur sequentially in the cell. However, it has now been well established that transcription and pre-mRNA processing are two simultaneous processes that are precisely regulated inside the cell.
The chromatin structure, especially...
The chromatin structure, especially...
02:32Position-effect Variegation
In 1928, a German botanist Emil Heitz observed the moss nuclei with a DNA binding dye. He observed that while some chromatin regions decondense and spread out in the interphase nucleus, others do not. He termed them euchromatin and heterochromatin, respectively. He proposed that the heterochromatin regions reflect a functionally inactive state of the genome. It was later confirmed that heterochromatin is transcriptionally repressed, and euchromatin is transcriptionally active chromatin.
01:30Structure of a Gene
A gene is the fundamental unit of heredity. Every individual has two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. Although most people contain the same genes, there is a small fraction that is slightly different amongst people. A gene with a small difference in its sequence of DNA bases forms different alleles, contributing to different phenotypes.
However, only 1% of the DNA is composed of genes that encode proteins; the rest, 99% is non-coding DNA. This non-coding DNA performs...
However, only 1% of the DNA is composed of genes that encode proteins; the rest, 99% is non-coding DNA. This non-coding DNA performs...
02:05Duplication of Chromatin Structure
The process of chromosome duplication during cell division requires genome-wide disruption and re-assembly of chromatin. The chromatin structure must be accurately inherited, reassembled, and maintained in the daughter cells to ensure lineage propagation.
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
02:36RNA Polymerase II Accessory Proteins
Proteins that regulate transcription can do so either via direct contact with RNA Polymerase or through indirect interactions facilitated by adaptors, mediators, histone-modifying proteins, and nucleosome remodelers. Direct interactions to activate transcription is seen in bacteria as well as in some eukaryotic genes. In these cases, upstream activation sequences are adjacent to the promoters, and the activator proteins interact directly with the transcriptional machinery. For example, in...