Nuclear Organization, Chromatin Structure, and Gene Silencing

Michael W. Vitalini; George Dialynas; Lori L. Wallrath; Shannon R. Mackey; Sarah C. Stainbrook

doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-819460-7.00271-1

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Nuclear Organization, Chromatin Structure, and Gene Silencing

Michael W. Vitalini, George Dialynas, Lori L. Wallrath, Shannon R. Mackey and Sarah C. Stainbrook

Reference Module in Life Sciences

Elsevier Inc

2017

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-819460-7.00271-1

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Abstract

The nucleus is a specialized compartment within a cell that is surrounded by a nuclear envelope and contains the genomic DNA in the form of chromosomes. Inside the nucleus, chromosomes are confined to specific three-dimensional regions termed territories. In general, the periphery of the nucleus is a zone of gene silencing; heterochromatin, a condensed form of chromatin possessing little transcriptional activity, resides near the nuclear envelope. In contrast, chromosomes rich in gene activity reside within the interior of the nucleus. Within the nucleus, genes assume specific radial positions that can change with transcriptional activity and in disease states.

Epigenetics

Chromatin

Chromosome territory

Euchromatin

Gene silencing

Heterochromatin

Lamina

Lamins

Nuclear envelope

Nuclear organization

Details

Title: Subtitle: Nuclear Organization, Chromatin Structure, and Gene Silencing
Creators: Michael W. Vitalini
George Dialynas
Lori L. Wallrath
Shannon R. Mackey - Saint Ambrose University
Sarah C. Stainbrook - Washington University in St. Louis
Resource Type: Encyclopedia entry
Publication Details: Reference Module in Life Sciences
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-819460-7.00271-1
Publisher: Elsevier Inc
Language: English
Date published: 2017
Academic Unit: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; University College Courses
Record Identifier: 9984288719102771

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