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The nuclear matrix: A heuristic model for investigating genomic organization and function in the cell nucleus
Author(s) -
Berezney Ronald
Publication year - 1991
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.240470204
Subject(s) - nuclear matrix , nucleus , function (biology) , computational biology , heuristic , matrix (chemical analysis) , scaffold/matrix attachment region , biology , cell nucleus , value (mathematics) , computer science , neuroscience , dna , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , chemistry , artificial intelligence , chromatography , machine learning , chromatin remodeling , chromatin
Despite significant advances in deciphering the molecular events underlying genomic function, our understanding of these intergrated processes inside the functioning cell nucleus has, until recently, met with only very limited success. A major conundrum has been the “layers of complexity” characteristic of all cell structure and function. To understand how the cell nucleus functions, we must also understand how the cell nucleus is put together and functions as a whole. The value of this neo‐holistic approach is demonstrated by the enormous progress made in recent years in identifying a wide variety of nuclear functions associated with the nuclear matrix. In this article we summarize basic properties of in situ nuclear structure, isolated nuclear matrix systems, nuclear matrix‐associated functions, and DNA replication in particular. Emphasis is placed on identifying current problems and directions of research in this field and illustrating the intrinsic heuristic value of this global approach to genomic organization and function.