The controversial nuclear matrix: a balanced point of view

• A.M. Martelli ^[2] ; E. Falcieri ^[3] ; M. Zweyer ^[1] ; R. Bortul ^[1] ; G. Tabellini ^[2] ; A. Cappellini ^[2] ; L. Cocco ^[2] ; L. Manzoli ^[2]
  1. [1] University of Trieste

     University of Trieste

     Trieste, Italia

     
  2. [2] University of Bologna

     University of Bologna

     Bolonia, Italia

     
  3. [3] Università di Urbino

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• Localización: Histology and histopathology: cellular and molecular biology, ISSN-e 1699-5848, ISSN 0213-3911, Vol. 17, Nº. 4, 2002, págs. 1193-1205
• Idioma: inglés
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  • The nuclear matrix is defined as the residual framework after the removal of the nuclear envelope, chromatin, and soluble components by sequential extractions. According to several investigators the nuclear matrix provides the structural basis for intranuclear order. However, the existence itself and the nature of this structure is still uncertain. Although the techniques used for the visualization of the nuclear matrix have improved over the years, it is still unclear to what extent the isolated nuclear matrix corresponds to an in vivo existing structure. Therefore, considerable scepticism continues to surround the nuclear matrix fraction as an accurate representation of the situation in living cells. Here, we summarize the experimental evidence in favor of, or against, the presence of a diffuse nucleoskeleton as a facilitating organizational nonchromatin structure of the nucleus.