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Actively transcribed genes are associated with the nuclear matrix
Nature
|December 8, 1983
Summary
Steroid hormones regulate gene expression in chicken oviducts. Actively transcribed genes bind to the nuclear matrix, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Steroid hormones regulate gene transcription, like the ovalbumin gene, in the chicken oviduct.
- Gene expression requires specific hormone receptors and large DNase I sensitive chromosomal domains, but these are not sufficient for activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the nuclear matrix in gene expression regulation.
- To identify other levels of control beyond hormone receptors and chromatin structure.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of nuclear matrix from chicken oviduct cells.
- Non-degradative fractionation of nuclear DNA based on matrix association.
- Digestion with restriction enzymes and recovery of matrix-bound and released DNA fractions.
Main Results:
- Only actively expressed genes were found to associate with the nuclear matrix.
- Within DNase I sensitive domains, only transcribed regions were matrix-associated.
- This association was reversible upon hormone withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- The nuclear matrix is implicated as the site of nuclear transcription.
- The nuclear matrix may represent a crucial level of control for eukaryotic gene expression.