Nuclear bodies: the emerging biophysics of nucleoplasmic phases

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2015 Jun:34:23-30. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2015.04.003. Epub 2015 May 15.

Abstract

The cell nucleus contains a large number of membrane-less bodies that play important roles in the spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression. Recent work suggests that low complexity/disordered protein motifs and repetitive binding domains drive assembly of droplets of nuclear RNA/protein by promoting nucleoplasmic phase separation. Nucleation and maturation of these structures is regulated by, and may in turn affect, factors including post-translational modifications, protein concentration, transcriptional activity, and chromatin state. Here we present a concise review of these exciting recent advances, and discuss current and future challenges in understanding the assembly, regulation, and function of nuclear RNA/protein bodies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biophysical Phenomena*
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies / genetics
  • Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Nuclear Proteins