Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Isolation of Cognate RNA-protein Complexes from Cells Using Oligonucleotide-directed Elution
Published on: January 16, 2017
The effects of zinc chloride on the RNP structures in HEp-2 cells: accumulation of perichromatin granules
Abstract:
The effects of zinc on the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) constituents of HEp-2 cells have been analyzed. Pulse-chase autoradiographic experiments show a preferential inhibition of nucleolar RNA synthesis and a block in the transport of nucleolar and extranucleolar RNA in zinc-treated cells. Concomitantly with the disturbance in RNA metabolism and in protein synthesis, nucleolar condensation, accumulation of perichromatin granules and fibrils, condensation of interchromatin fibrils, and appearance of dense granular bodies occur. Accumulation of perichromatin fibrils and condensation of interchromatin fibrils appear to be related to the block in the transport of heterogeneous nuclear RNA. Depletion of certain proteins required for the assembly of RNP particles could share in the abnormal behavior of RNA and lead to the accumulation of perichromatin granules and the appearance of dense granular bodies.
Related Concept Videos
Position-effect Variegation
Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
Euchromatin
Euchromatin is the less dense region of the chromatin and stains lighter. Euchromatin contains histone H3 extensively...
Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the timing and level of...
The Nucleolus
Additional Subnuclear Structures
The nucleus contains many membrane-less subnuclear organelles or nuclear bodies, such as nucleoli, Cajal bodies, speckles, paraspeckles, etc. These nuclear...

