Interrelationships of nuclear structure and transcriptional control: functional consequences of being in the right place at the right time

Functional interrelationships between components of nuclear architecture and control of gene expression are becoming increasingly evident. In this article we focus on the concept that association of genes and cognate transcription factors with the nuclear matrix may support the formation and/or activities of nuclear domains that facilitate transcriptional regulation. Several lines of evidence are consistent with the concept that association of transcription factors with the nuclear matrix may be obligatory for fidelity of gene expression and maximal transcriptional activity. The identification of specific regions of transcription factors that are responsible for intranuclear trafficking to nuclear matrix-associated sites that support transcription, reinforces the linkage of nuclear structure to regulation of genes. CBFA2/AML-1 and CBFA1/AML-3 provide paradigms for directing gene regulatory factors to RNA polymerase II containing foci within the nucleus. The implications of modifications in the intranuclear trafficking of transcription factors for developmental and tissue-specific control, as well as for aberrations in gene expression that are associated with cancer and neurological disorders, are addressed.