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Cell-free interaction of the estrogen receptor with mouse uterine nuclear matrix: evidence of saturability, specificity, and resistance to KCl extraction.

An integral part of the mechanism of estrogen action is the interaction of estrogen receptor (ER) complexes with specific nuclear acceptor sites to effect alterations in genomic expression. The localization of nuclear acceptor sites has been in question, but an increasing body of indirect evidence implicates the nuclear matrix. To assess the binding characteristics of [3H]estradiol-receptor complexes (3HER) to nuclear matrix, ER from ovariectomized mice was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and incubated under cell-free conditions with mouse uterine nuclear matrix at 4 C. The binding capacity of the nuclear matrix was determined to be 36.4 +/- 5.7 fmol/100 micrograms DNA, with a Kd of 0.23 +/- 0.03 nM. Binding to nuclear matrix sites was specific, as determined by the ability of increasing concentrations of unlabeled ER complexes to inhibit binding of 3HER. Spleen, used as a nontarget tissue, contained fewer binding sites (n = 4.07 fmol/100 micrograms DNA) than matrix from liver (n = 14.2). The binding affinity was the same in all three tissues. Injection of animals with estradiol before death was associated with loss of assayable nuclear matrix binding sites, implying occupancy of sites by ER in vivo. Unbound receptor (R) also demonstrated the ability to bind to uterine matrix (n = 40.2 +/- 2.7 fmol/100 micrograms DNA; Kd = 0.26 +/- 0.05 nM) as well as to competitively inhibit the binding of 3HER complexes. However, heat-inactivated receptor displayed no binding or competing activity, nor did the progesterone receptor. The two forms of the receptor can be functionally distinguished by extraction with 0.6 M KCl; 43% of ER, but no R, were resistant to KCl extraction. These results indicate that nuclear acceptor sites are associated with the nuclear matrix. Furthermore, these sites demonstrate the criteria expected of specific binding sites, i.e. high affinity, limited capacity, hormone receptor, and relative tissue specificity. The apparent association of uncomplexed receptor to nuclear acceptor sites may explain the uterine tissue nuclear localization of ER in the absence of hormone.

Animals↗

The synaptonemal complex as part of the nuclear matrix of the flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella.

A nuclear matrix fraction was prepared from ovaries of the achiasmatic flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella, by removal of the chromatin, using detergent treatment of homogenized ovaries or dissected ovary tips followed by DNase digestion and high salt extraction. Removal of DNA and histones from the nuclei was demonstrated by Feulgen staining and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), respectively. By light microscopy, ribbon-like structures similar in dimension to the synaptonemal complex were observed in the oocyte after digestion of the chromosomes. Electron microscopic examination of matrix preparations of pachytene cells showed a defined synaptonemal complex structure with both lateral and central elements. Such structures were not found in either the fully differentiated nurse cells or in follicle cells which were exposed to the same preparative technique concurrently. However, in early post-pachytene nurse cells the typical polycomplex structures, formed in these cells from the synaptonemal complex, were found in nuclear matrix preparations. The results suggest an association of synaptonemal complexes with the nuclear matrix.

Animals↗

Identification of nuclear matrix protein alterations associated with renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Neoplastic transformation, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is always accompanied by changes in nuclear morphology. Nuclear grading of RCC is based on characteristic alterations in nuclear shape, size, area and other morphologic parameters. The nuclear matrix, which forms the skeleton of the nucleus, determines nuclear morphology. Alterations in nuclear matrix protein (NMP) composition specific to tissue and cancer type have been described in a variety of human cancers. We conducted a study to analyze the nuclear matrix protein composition of renal cell carcinoma and compare it to that of normal renal tissue and renal cell carcinoma cells grown in culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the nuclear matrix protein composition of RCC tumor tissue and that of normal kidney tissue obtained from seventeen patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for RCC. We also analyzed the NMP composition of two renal cancer cell lines (A-498 and 769-P). RESULTS: We were able to identify five different and unique NMPs which were present only in the human RCC tumor samples and were absent in all normal kidney tissue. One NMP was found specifically in the normal kidney tissue. All five RCC specific NMPs were also identified in the nuclear matrix of the two cell lines analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Five nuclear matrix proteins specific and unique to RCC were identified. These NMPs are different from those previously identified in other tissues and neoplasms. The RCC specific NMPs identified in this study can potentially be used as diagnostic markers for renal cell carcinoma and for therapeutic tumor targeting.

Aged↗

Sperm nuclear matrix association of the PRM1-->PRM2-->TNP2 domain is independent of Alu methylation.

Genes or multigenic chromosomal regions are organized by the nuclear matrix into a series of functionally discrete genic domains. Biophysical analysis of the human chromosome 16p13.13 region has shown that the PRM1-->PRM2-->TNP2 protamine containing multigenic locus is bounded by two sperm nuclear matrix attachment regions (MAR). This domain exists in a transcriptionally readied or potentiated (i.e. open) chromatin state when associated with the nuclear matrix. The MAR-bounded PRM1-->PRM2-->TNP2 locus is nestled in an Alu repetitive element dense region. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization, analysis of sperm nuclear matrix/halo preparations showed that the PRM1-->PRM2-->TNP2 domain specifically localizes to the sperm nuclear matrix. This raised the question of whether nuclear matrix association and gene expression in this locus is mediated by Alu methylation. The methylation status of the various Alu elements contained within the human PRM1-->PRM2-->TNP2 locus was therefore assayed. The seven Alu elements tested, including those associated with the matrix attachment regions within the PRM1-->PRM2-->TNP2 locus, were fully methylated in sperm DNA. Conversely, these same Alu repeats were hypomethylated within the erythroleukaemic cell line, K562, which does not express any of the genes from this domain. This study shows that Alu methylation status is independent of attachment of PRM1-->PRM2-->TNP2 locus to the nuclear matrix and that Alu methylation does not play a leading role in the regulation of this domain.

Alu Elements↗

[Reorganization of the protein composition of the nuclear matrix of hepatoma cells after inhibition of DNA synthesis with novobiocin].

The nuclear matrix of Zajdela hepatoma cells, in which DNA synthesis was blocked by novobiocin, contained 2.5-3.0 times more DNA and protein not dissociating in 2 M NaCl than the nuclear matrix of control cells. Chromatography of nuclear matrix preparations on Sepharose 2B-CL resulted in isolation of tightly bound DNA-protein complexes which did not dissociate in 8 M urea or 0.1% SDS. Subsequent elution of DNA-protein complexes on a hydroxylapatite column with a buffer containing 4 M guanidine hydrochloride and 5 M urea caused partial dissociation of the complexes. Electrophoretic analysis revealed essential changes in the composition of proteins DNA-protein complexes of hepatoma cells nuclear matrix during inhibition of DNA synthesis.

Animals↗

Influence of different metal ions on the ultrastructure, biochemical properties, and protein localization of the K562 cell nuclear matrix.

The higher order of chromatin organization is thought to be determined by the nuclear matrix, a mainly proteinaceous structure that would act as a nucleoskeleton. The matrix is obtained from isolated nuclei by a series of extraction steps involving the use of high salt and nonspecific nucleases, which remove chromatin and other loosely bound components. It is currently under debate whether these structures, isolated in vitro by unphysiological extraction buffers, correspond to a nucleoskeleton existing in vivo. In most cell types investigated, the nuclear matrix does not spontaneously resist these extractions steps; rather, it must be stabilized before the application of extracting agents. In this study nuclei, isolated from K562 human erythroleukemia cells, were stabilized by incubation with different metal ions (Ca2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+), and the matrix was obtained by extraction with 2 M NaCl. By means of ultrastructural analysis of the resulting structures, we determined that, except for Ca2+, all the other metals induced a stabilization of the matrix, which retained the inner fibrogranular network and residual nucleoli. The biochemical composition, analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis separation, exhibited a distinct matrix polypeptide pattern, characteristic of each type of stabilizing ion employed. We also investigated to what extent metal ions could maintain in the final structures the original distribution of three inner matrix components, i.e. NuMA, topoisomerase IIalpha, and RNP. Confocal microscopy analysis showed that only NuMa, and, to a lesser extent, topoisomerase IIalpha, were unaffected by stabilization with divalent ions. On the contrary, the fluorescent RNP patterns detected in the resulting matrices were always disarranged, irrespective of the stabilization procedure. These results indicate that several metal ions are powerful stabilizing agents of the nuclear matrix prepared from K562 erythroleukemia cells and also strengthen the concept that NuMA and topoisomerase IIalpha may act as structural components of the nuclear matrix.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Nuclear matrix protein patterns in human benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

The nuclear matrix represents the structural component of the nucleus that determines nuclear shape and higher order DNA organization. We have previously shown tissue specificity in nuclear matrix proteins (NMP), in rat sex accessory tissues, and in a rat model of prostate cancer. This study compares NMP patterns for fresh human normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer for 21 men undergoing surgery for clinically localized prostate cancer or BPH. NMP patterns were compared using high resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We identified by molecular weight and isoelectric point 14 different proteins that were consistently present or absent among the various tissues. One protein (PC-1), a M(r) 56,000 protein with an isoelectric point of 6.58, appeared in 14 of 14 different nuclear matrix preparations from prostate cancer and was not detected in normal prostate (0 of 13) or BPH (0 of 14). The NMP patterns are consistent with a model of disease progression in which BPH shares many of the nuclear matrix changes observed in prostate cancer.

Antigens, Nuclear↗

A structural analysis of the role of the nuclear matrix and DNA loops in the organization of the nucleus and chromosome.

The interphase nucleus is characterized by a nuclear matrix structure that forms a residual scaffolding composed of approximately 10% of the total nuclear proteins. The nuclear matrix contains residual elements of the pore-complex and lamina, the nucleolus, and an intranuclear fibrous network that provides the basic shape and structure of the nucleus. In the interphase nucleus this nuclear matrix has been reported to be a central element in the organization of DNA loop domains and to contain fixed sites for DNA replication and transcription. In this study, we have analysed the role of the nuclear matrix and the DNA loop domains in the organization and structure of the number 4 human chromosome. A model is proposed that closely approximates the observed structural dimensions of this chromosome. The model is composed of 30 nm diameter filaments formed from a solenoid of six nucleosomes per turn. This 30 nm solenoid filament is organized as loops of DNA each containing approximately 60 000 base-pairs; each loop is anchored at its base to the nuclear matrix. A radial loop model containing 18 of these loops per turn forms a new unit of chromosome structure termed the miniband. Approximately 106 of these minibands are arranged along a central axis to form the final chromatid. The role of the nuclear matrix in this organization is presented. The accuracy of the proposed model is tested by comparing its features with the known properties of the number 4 human chromosome.

Cell Nucleus↗

Altered expression of nuclear matrix proteins in etoposide induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

The events of cell death and the expression of nuclear matrix protein (NMP) have been investigated in a promyelocytic leukemic cell line HL-60 induced with etoposide. By means of TUNEL assay, the nuclei displayed a characteristic morphology change, and the amount of apoptotic cells increased early and reached maximun about 39% after treatment with etoposide for 2 h. Nucleosomal DNA fragmentation was observed after treatment for 4 h. The morphological change of HL-60 cells, thus, occurred earlier than the appearance of DNA ladder. Total nuclear matrix proteins were analyzed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Differential expression of 59 nuclear matrix proteins was found in 4 h etoposide treated cells. Western blotting was then performed on three nuclear matrix acssociated proteins, PML, HSC70 and NuMA. The expression of the suppressor PML protein and heat shock protein HSC70 were significantly upregulated after etoposide treatment, while NuMA, a nuclear mitotic apparatus protein, was down regulated. These results demonstrate that significant biochemical alterations in nuclear matrix proteins take place during the apoptotic process.

Antigens, Nuclear↗

Nuclear matrix preparations from liver tissue and from cultured vertebrate cells: differences in major polypeptides.

The major polypeptides of nuclear matrix preparations from vertebrate tissues are rather similar. However, nuclear matrix fractions isolated from cultured vertebrate cells of different origin show variations in their major polypeptides. We demonstrate that cytoplasmic intermediate filaments copurify with nuclear matrices from these cells. Because of their abundance, their subunit proteins form major bands on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The tissue specificity of the intermediate filament proteins then gives rise to the variations observed. To explain the differences in major proteins of nuclear matrices isolated from vertebrate cells grown in tissue and in culture we have analyzed the distribution of intermediate filaments during isolation of nuclei from liver tissue. We show that during homogenization of liver intermediate filaments are torn off and can be separated from the nuclei. Nuclear matrix preparations from these nuclei, therefore, do not contain intermediate filaments and true nuclear matrix proteins (e.g. lamins) are the major protein species. Our results suggest that the major nuclear matrix polypeptides (lamins) are similar in all vertebrate cells, since lamin like proteins were identified in cultured cells, too. Using antisera we demonstrate an immunological difference between lamins A/C and lamin B.

Animals↗

The nuclear matrix revealed by eluting chromatin from a cross-linked nucleus.

The nucleus is an intricately structured integration of many functional domains whose complex spatial organization is maintained by a nonchromatin scaffolding, the nuclear matrix. We report here a method for preparing the nuclear matrix with improved preservation of ultrastructure. After the removal of soluble proteins, the structures of the nucleus were extensively cross-linked with formaldehyde. Surprisingly, the chromatin could be efficiently removed by DNase I digestion leaving a well preserved nuclear matrix. The nuclear matrix uncovered by this procedure consisted of highly structured fibers, connected to the nuclear lamina and built on an underlying network of branched 10-nm core filaments. The relative ease with which chromatin and the nuclear matrix could be separated despite extensive prior cross-linking suggests that there are few attachment points between the two structures other than the connections at the bases of chromatin loops. This is an important clue for understanding chromatin organization in the nucleus.

Cells, Cultured↗

Macromolecular domains containing nuclear protein p107 and U-snRNP protein p28: further evidence for an in situ nuclear matrix.

Polyclonal antibodies have been produced which react with a nuclear protein having a molecular weight of 107kD and a pI of 8.7-8.8 (designated p107). This protein is shown to be a component of the residual ribonucleoprotein (RNP) network of the nuclear matrix. P107 localized exclusively to the nuclear interior but not within nucleolar or chromatin domains. We have taken advantage of this unique probe to examine whether the RNP network of the isolated nuclear matrix has a physical counterpart in situ. We show that RNA, p107, divalent cations and the 28 kD Sm antigen of U-snRNPs are components of in situ macromolecular assemblies. While the morphology and intranuclear distribution of these assemblies are insensitive to the removal of chromatin, they are markedly altered by degradation of RNA. Digestion in situ of RNA in the presence of EDTA followed by extraction with high ionic strength buffers solubilized the components of these assemblies. Electron microscopic and immunobiochemical data are presented which support the concept that the residual RNP network of the nuclear matrix is an isolate of a pre-existing structure, and that perturbations in this internal network can be created by RNA degradation, depletion of essential metal ions and proteolysis.

Animals↗

Influence of ATM function on interactions between telomeres and nuclear matrix.

The ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) gene product has been implicated in mitogenic signal transduction, chromosome condensation, meiotic recombination, and cell cycle control. The human ATM protein shows similarity to several yeast and mammalian proteins involved in meiotic recombination and cell cycle progression. Because of the homology of the human ATM gene to the TEL1 and rad3 genes of yeast, it has been suggested that mutations in ATM could lead to defective telomere maintenance. Recently, we have shown that the ATM gene product, which is defective in the cancer-prone disorder ataxia telangiectasia (AT), influences chromosome end associations and telomere length. A possible hypothesis explaining these results is that the defective telomere metabolism in AT cells is due to altered interactions between the telomeres and the nuclear matrix. These interactions were examined in nuclear matrix halos prior to and after irradiation. A difference was observed in the ratio of soluble and matrix-associated telomeric DNA between cells derived from AT and normal individuals. Treatment with ionizing radiation affected the ratio of soluble and matrix-associated telomeric DNA only in the AT cells. To test the hypothesis that the ATM gene product is involved in interactions between telomeres and the nuclear matrix, such interactions were examined in human cells expressing either a dominant-negative effect or complementation of the ATM gene. The phenotype of RKO colorectal tumor cells expressing ATM fragments containing a leucine zipper motif mimics the altered interactions of telomere and nuclear matrix seen in AT cells. Fibroblasts from AT individuals transfected with a wild-type ATM gene had corrected telomere-nuclear matrix interactions. In experiments designed to determine whether there is a link between the altered telomere-nuclear matrix interactions and defective telomere movement and clustering, a significant difference was observed in the ratio of soluble compared to matrix-associated telomeric DNA sequences in meiocytes of Atm(-/-) and control mice. These results suggest that the ATM gene influences the interactions between telomeres and the nuclear matrix and that alterations in telomere chromatin could be at least partly responsible for the pleiotropic phenotypes of the ATM gene. This paper summarizes our recent publications on the influence of inactivation of ATM on the interaction of telomeres with nuclear matrix in somatic and germ cells.

Animals↗

The nuclear matrix: three-dimensional architecture and protein composition.

The structural filament network of the nucleus is prepared while still connected to the cytoskeleton. The relatively gentle procedure removes about 98% of the DNA and at least 86% of the histones. The matrix is bounded by an outer nuclear lamina connected to the cytoskeletal framework, as well as the inner filaments. The filaments range in diameter from 3 to 22 nm, and are organized in a three-dimensional anastomosing network in which nucleoli are enmeshed. The nuclear matrix is separated from the cytoskeletal framework by a double detergent and then partitioned into a chromatin fraction and a matrix fraction by nuclease and high salt. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis shows that the proteins of the cytoskeleton, chromatin and nuclear matrix are very different. A major protein found in all fractions cofocuses with actin. Vimentin is largely associated with the nuclear matrix, probably as a corona external of filaments.

Animals↗

Heat-induced modifications in the association of specific proteins with the nuclear matrix.

Nuclei isolated from heat-shocked mammalian cells have an increased protein content which reflects an enhanced protein binding to nuclear structures. These nuclear changes are correlated with cell survival and inhibition of DNA replication, transcription and repair of DNA damage. It appears that most of the altered protein binding occurs in association with the nuclear matrix. The present study was conducted to determine if measurements of specific proteins in isolated nuclei reflect changes that occur at the nuclear matrix. The amounts of various proteins associated with HeLa cell nuclei and nuclear matrices after heat shock were measured by (1) densitometric scans of Coomassie blue-stained gels, (2) immunoblotting with antibodies to nuclear proteins and (3) antisera raised against nuclear matrix proteins from heated cells. These measurements revealed heat-induced increases in the levels of many nuclear matrix proteins. While a number of proteins show similar changes in both nuclei and nuclear matrices, for many the extent of increased association with the nuclear matrix is not reflected in the measured changes in the nuclei. These results are essential for understanding and studying further the relationships between the cellular response to hyperthermia and heat-altered associations of specific proteins with either nuclei or nuclear matrices.

Cell Nucleus↗

Rat osteoblast and osteosarcoma nuclear matrix proteins bind with sequence specificity to the rat type I collagen promoter.

The nuclear matrix mediates the 3-dimensional organization of DNA and supports DNA replication and its transcription. We hypothesize that the osteoblast nuclear matrix contributes to the transcriptional control of type I collagen (COL1A1) expression. Cis-regulatory elements of the rat COL1A1 promoter that control osteoblast expression in vivo are between -2.3 and -1.67 kilobase pairs (kb) but lie within -3.5 and -2.3 kb in cultured bone cells. This may result from differences in cell architecture between osteoblasts in tissue and those in vitro. Our aim was to identify osteoblast nuclear matrix proteins (NMPs) that associated with sequence-specificity to the COL1A1 promoter. We used osteoblasts from the rat metaphyseal femur and the rat osteosarcoma cells, ROS 17/2.8. Nuclear matrix and soluble nuclear proteins were obtained as separate subfractions. Gel mobility shift analysis, using fragments of the COL1A1 promoter, was used to identify DNA-binding proteins in the nuclear subfractions. A NMP-DNA interaction, NMP3, was observed between -2149 and -2106 nucleotide in both osteoblasts and osteosarcoma cells. NMP4 was detected between -3518 to -3406 nucleotide. Therefore, osteoblast NMPs recognize sequences in regulatory regions of the COL1A1 promoter and may link cell structure and the transcriptional regulation of this protein.

Animals↗

Role of the nuclear matrix proteins in malignant transformation and cancer diagnosis.

The nuclear matrix (NM) is the structural framework of the nucleus that consists of the peripheral lamins and pore complexes, an internal ribonucleic protein network, and residual nucleoli. Differences between the nuclear matrix protein (NMP) composition of transformed cells and their normal homologues were detected in numerous cases. Actually several tumor-specific nuclear matrix proteins (NMPs) are proposed for diagnostic of bladder, breast, colon and some other cancers. According to the role of NMPs in development and phenotype of a given neoplasms the tumors can be classified as follows: I. Tumors bearing mutations in the genes encoding NMPs. The group consists of following subgroups: 1) hereditary cancer syndromes with mutations in the NM-attached oncoproteins or tumor suppressor genes; 2) sporadic tumors with somatic mutations in the NM-attached oncoproteins, tumor suppressor genes or replication enzymes; 3) leukemias with fused NMPs. II. Tumors with phenotypic quantitative or qualitative changes of the NMP spectrum.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Nuclear matrix. Isolation and characterization of a framework structure from rat liver nuclei.

A nuclear framework structure termed the nuclear matrix has been isolated and characterized. This matrix forms the major residual structure of isolated nuclei and consists largely of protein with smaller amounts of RNA, DNA, carbohydrate, and phospholipid. The nuclear matrix can be further resolved by combined treatment with DNase and RNase. The remaining nuclear protein structure, after extraction of 90 percent of the nuclear protein, 99.9 percent of the DNA, and 98 percent of the RNA and phospholipid, is termed the nuclear protein matrix. Electron microscopy of this final nuclear protein matrix reveals an interior framework structure composed of residual nucleolar structures associated with a granular and fibrous internal matrix structure. The internal matrix framework is derived from the interchromatinic structures of the nucleus, and is connected to a surrounding residual nuclear envelope layer containing residual nuclear pore complex structures. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the nuclear matrix proteins demonstrates three major polypeptide fractions, P-1, P-2, and P-3, with average molecular weights of approximately 69,000, 66,000 and 62,000, as well as several minor polypeptides which migrate at approximately 50,000 and at higher molecular weights (>100,000). Polypeptides with molecular weights identical to those of P-1, P-2 and P-3 are also components of isolated nuclear envelopes and nucleoli, whereas isolated chromatin contains no detectable matrix polypeptides. This suggests that the major matrix polypeptides are localized in specific structural regions of the nucleus, i.e., nuclear envelope, nucleoli, and interchromatinic structures. The presence of cytochrome oxidase activity in the isolated nuclear matrix indicates that at least some integral proteins of the nuclear membrane are associated with the matrix.

Amino Acids↗