Coiled bodies and gems: Janus or Gemini?
Article Abstract:
Coiled bodies (CBs), organelles of the nucleus, seem to participate in biogenesis of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) and to be made up of tangled, coiled, electron-heavy fibers. They disassemble in mitosis and go back together in mid G-sub-1. A number of macromolecules accumulate inside CBs. These bodies seem not to be distinguishable from nuclear structures called gems. CBs seem to be of great importance in etiology of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Their function is not known and they are likely not sites of transcription as such nor are they likely involved directly in splicing. The structures may be supply centers for various factors needed for transcription and processing of gene products and genes that are closeby. Their role may be analogous to that of nucleolar fibrillar centers.
Publication Name: American Journal of Human Genetics
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0002-9297
Year: 1998
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Structure, organization, and dynamics of promyelocytic leukemia protein nuclear bodies
Article Abstract:
Structure, dynamics and organization of promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) nuclear bodies, which have at least 15 components, have been studied. PML, a defining part of PML nuclear bodies, functions as a cell-growth suppressor, but the functions of the bodies are elusive despite many studies. Proper organization of PML-body components is necessary for normal cell proliferation and they are targeted by a wide range of viral infections and play a role in other human disease processes. .
Publication Name: American Journal of Human Genetics
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0002-9297
Year: 1998
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Nuclear transport: run by Ran?
Article Abstract:
Nuclear transport machinery, which is highly conserved, is influenced by soluble proteins, among them Ran. Ran is a small GTPase of the Ras family and is essential for transport in eukaryotic organisms. The very abundant protein seems to be required for active nuclear transport, based on in vivo yeast genetics and in vitro biochemical and cell-biology studies. Possible mechanisms are proposed for Ran's function and for regulation in nuclear transport.
Publication Name: American Journal of Human Genetics
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0002-9297
Year: 1998
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