Masters Theses

Date of Award

6-1985

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major Professor

Salil K. Niyogi

Abstract

Upon removing most of the DNA, RNA, and protein from the nucleus, one is left with an insoluble structure termed the nuclear matrix. It has been proposed that this material is responsible for maintaining the structure of, and positioning the ENA inside the nucleus. There is evidence that actively transcribed genes and replicating ENA are attached to the nuclear matrix, although the mechanism of attachment is presently unknown. It is possible that the nuclear matrix is composed of DNA binding proteins which are responsible for the positioning of specific ENA sequences within the nucleus. The biochemistry of the nuclear matrix proteins is not well understood, primarily because of the insolubility of this structure. It was the goal of this work to find conditions in which the nuclear matrix proteins could be solubilized and separated by biochemical techniques, and to begin characterization of the IXIA binding proteins present. It was found that a number of detergents are able to solubilize proteins from the nuclear matrix, and that these proteins can then be separated by ion exchange chromatography. It was found that there are many DNA binding proteins present. However, the nature of their binding, and their role in the nucleus remain unclear. It is hoped that the experiments described here will aid future research into the biochemistry of the nuclear matrix, and lead to a better understanding of nuclear structure and function.

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