Nuclear Organization, Chromatin Structure, and Gene Silencing

M.W. Vitalini; G. Dialynas; L.L. Wallrath; S.R. Mackey

doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-378630-2.00251-6

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Nuclear Organization, Chromatin Structure, and Gene Silencing

M.W. Vitalini, G. Dialynas, L.L. Wallrath and S.R. Mackey

Encyclopedia of Biological Chemistry, pp.314-317

Elsevier Inc, Second Edition

2013

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-378630-2.00251-6

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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.

Chromatin

Chromosome territory

Epigenetics

Euchromatin

Gene silencing

Heterochromatin

Lamina

Lamins

Nuclear envelope

Nuclear organization

Details

Title: Subtitle: Nuclear Organization, Chromatin Structure, and Gene Silencing
Creators: M.W. Vitalini - University of Iowa
G. Dialynas - University of Iowa
L.L. Wallrath - University of Iowa
S.R. Mackey - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Encyclopedia entry
Publication Details: Encyclopedia of Biological Chemistry, pp.314-317
Edition: Second Edition
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-378630-2.00251-6
Publisher: Elsevier Inc
Language: English
Date published: 2013
Academic Unit: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; University College Courses
Record Identifier: 9984293079302771

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