Premium
Nuclear apoptotic changes: An overview
Author(s) -
Martelli Alberto M.,
Zweyer Marina,
Ochs Robert L.,
Tazzari Pier Luigi,
Tabellini Giovanna,
Narducci Paola,
Bortul Roberta
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of cellular biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.028
H-Index - 165
eISSN - 1097-4644
pISSN - 0730-2312
DOI - 10.1002/jcb.1186
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , nucleus , apoptosis , chromatin , biology , nuclear protein , prophase , cell nucleus , multicellular organism , morphogenesis , programmed cell death , proteasome , cell , dna , genetics , transcription factor , gene , meiosis
Apoptosis is a form of active cell death essential for morphogenesis, development, differentiation, and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. The activation of genetically controlled specific pathways that are highly conserved during evolution results in the characteristic morphological features of apoptosis that are mainly evident in the nucleus. These include chromatin condensation, nuclear shrinkage, and the formation of apoptotic bodies. The morphological changes are the result of molecular alterations, such as DNA and RNA cleavage, post‐translational modifications of nuclear proteins, and proteolysis of several polypeptides residing in the nucleus. During the last five years our understanding of the process of apoptosis has dramatically increased. However, the mechanisms that lead to apoptotic changes in the nucleus have been only partially clarified. Here, we shall review the most recent findings that may explain why the nucleus displays these striking modifications. Moreover, we shall take into consideration the emerging evidence about apoptotic events as a trigger for the generation of autoantibodies to nuclear components. J. Cell. Biochem. 82: 634–646, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.