Drug and metabolite-induced perturbations in nuclear structure and function: a review

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Understanding large-scale nuclear organization is crucial for comprehending replication, transcription, and cytoplasmic interactions.
• Nuclear processes are influenced by various drugs and biological agents, often revealing nuclear structures.
• The nuclear pore complex-lamina of the nuclear matrix is increasingly recognized as a pivotal structural element during interphase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence supporting the validity of the nuclear matrix concept.
• To present a general model for functional nuclear organization.
• To explain observed nuclear perturbations based on interference with key cellular processes.

Main Methods:

• Review of evidence from studies involving drugs, inhibitors, and natural biological processes.
• Analysis of structural and functional changes in cell nuclei.
• Development of a general model for nuclear organization.

Main Results:

• Evidence supports the nuclear matrix as a valid structural and functional concept in cell nuclei.
• Diverse agents induce related or complementary changes in nuclei, attributable to the nuclear matrix.
• A general model accounts for nuclear perturbations resulting from interference with transcription, replication, or protein synthesis.

Conclusions:

• The nuclear matrix is a fundamental component of nuclear organization, influencing key cellular processes.
• The nuclear matrix provides a unifying framework for understanding the effects of various agents on cell nuclei.
• The proposed model offers insights into the functional organization of the nucleus.