[Proteins from nuclear fractions with different contents of active genes]

The protein content in four nuclear fractions was compared. The nuclear fraction of rat liver deficient in active genes was characterized by a very low content of non-histone proteins whose mobility is less than that of histone H1.. The predominant protein of this fraction is an acid-soluble protein (Mr = 41 +/- 1 kD) designated as 41K. This protein was detected in acid nuclear extracts of rat lungs, kidney and spleen but was absent (or practically absent) in four murine and rat hepatomas under study. The decreased content of protein 41K was correlated with the diminution of the content of histone H1(0) fraction. It was shown that proteins HMG 14 and 17 are readily washed off during fractionation of nuclei and they bind to DNA fragments passing into solution irrespective of whether they contain active or inactive genes. The nuclear matrix fraction rich in active genes was heterogeneous according to its protein composition. Differences in the intensity of staining and in electrophoretic mobility of some polypeptides of this nuclear fraction in normal and hepatoma cells were revealed.