Unravelling the nuclear matrix proteome

J Proteomics. 2009 Feb 15;72(1):71-81. doi: 10.1016/j.jprot.2008.09.005. Epub 2008 Oct 14.

Abstract

The nuclear matrix (NM) model posits the presence of a protein/RNA scaffold that spans the mammalian nucleus. The NM proteins are involved in basic nuclear function and are a promising source of protein biomarkers for cancer. Importantly, the NM proteome is operationally defined as the proteins from cells and tissue that are extracted following a specific biochemical protocol; in brief, the soluble proteins and lipids, cytoskeleton, and chromatin elements are removed in a sequential fashion, leaving behind the proteins that compose the NM. So far, the NM has not been sufficiently verified as a biological entity and only preliminary at the molecular level. Here, we argue for a combined effort of proteomics, immunodetection and microscopy to unravel the composition and structure of the NM.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Nuclear Matrix / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Matrix / ultrastructure
  • Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins / analysis*
  • Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Proteome / metabolism*

Substances

  • Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins
  • Proteome