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Structure and Function of PML Nuclear Bodies: A Brief Overview of Key Cellular Roles
Karolina Dorosz1, Lidia Majewska2, Jacek Kijowski3
1Biology Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Abstract:
Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) are dynamic membrane-less organelles (MLOs) located in the nucleus that serve as regulatory hubs for multiple cellular processes. This review examines current understanding of PML-NB structure, assembly mechanisms, and their diverse functional roles. We discuss how PML-NBs interact with chromatin to influence gene expression, regulate transcription factors, and participate in protein quality control. The review highlights their critical functions in tumor suppression, particularly in acute promyelocytic leukemia, and their role in intrinsic antiviral defense against various pathogens. Despite significant advances in the field, key questions remain regarding the mechanistic triggers of PML-NB formation and their common roles across different pathologies. Further elucidation of these aspects may provide valuable insights for developing therapeutic approaches targeting the PML-NB axis in disease treatment.
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