The nuclear form of glutathione peroxidase 4 is associated with sperm nuclear matrix and is required for proper paternal chromatin decondensation at fertilization.

The nuclear isoform of the selenoprotein Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase (nGPx4) is expressed in haploid male germ cells, contains several cysteines and is able to oxidize protein thiols, besides glutathione. In this study we have investigated the subnuclear localization of this isoform in isolated mouse male germ cells at different steps of maturation. Immunoblotting and confocal microscopy analyses of subnuclear fractions showed that nGPx4 is localized to the nuclear matrix together with well known markers of this subnuclear compartment like lamin B and topoisomerase IIß at all stages of germ cell differentiation. The peculiar nGPx4 distribution was confirmed by both biochemical and morphological analyses of COS-1 cells overexpressing Flag-tagged nGPx4. To test the functional role of nGPx4 in the process of chromatin assembly, sperm isolated from the caput and the cauda epididymides of wild-type (WT) and genetically deficient in nGPx4 (nGPx4-KO) mice were analyzed in an in vitro chromatin decondensation assay. Results showed that sperm from nGPx4-KO mice were more prone to decondense than those from WT mice at all stages of epididymal maturation, providing conclusive evidence that nGPx4 is required for a correct sperm chromatin compaction. We next addressed the issue of whether the lack of nGPx4 impacts on early events occurring at fertilization. Indeed, in vitro fertilization experiments showed an acceleration of sperm chromatin dispersion in oocytes fertilized by nGpx4-KO sperm compared with control. Overall these data indicate that the absence of nGPx4 leads to sperm nuclear matrix/chromatin instability that may negatively affect the embryo development.

Increased PARP-1 levels in nuclear matrix isolated from heat shock treated rat liver.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a chromatin-associated enzyme that catalyzes the NAD+-dependent addition of ADP-ribose polymers onto a variety of nuclear proteins, has been shown to be associated with the nuclear matrix. PARP-1 levels in the nuclear matrix vary depending on the matrix isolation method used. The nuclear matrix appears to be the most thermosensitive nuclear structure during heat shock. Here we provide evidence for the extensive translocation of PARP-1 from chromatin to the nuclear matrix during heat shock. This translocation is accompanied by inhibition of PARP activity in the nucleus and elevation of PARP activity in the nuclear matrix. Our data suggest that thermal destabilization of the nuclear matrix is less likely to contribute to the translocation of PARP-1 to the nuclear matrix.

Automodification of PARP-1 mediates its tight binding to the nuclear matrix.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a nuclear enzyme that catalyzes the NAD(+)-dependent addition of ADP-ribose polymers on a variety of nuclear proteins, has been shown to be associated with the nuclear matrix. As yet, the properties and conditions of this association are unclear. Here, we show the existence of two PARP-1 pools associated with the nuclear matrix of rat liver and the ability of PARP-1 automodification to facilitate its binding to the nuclear matrix.

Epidermal growth factor stimulates translocation of the class II phosphoinositide 3-kinase PI3K-C2beta to the nucleus.

Although the class II phosphoinositide 3-kinase enzymes PI3K-C2alpha and PI3K-C2beta act acutely downstream of cell surface receptors they have also been localized to nuclei in mammalian cells. As with the class I PI3K enzymes, the relationship between the pools of enzyme present in cytoplasm and nuclei remains poorly understood. In this study we test the hypothesis that PI3K-C2beta translocates to nuclei in response to growth factor stimulation. Fractionating homogenates of quiescent cells revealed that less than 5% of total PI3K-C2beta resides in nuclei. Stimulation with epidermal growth factor sequentially increased levels of this enzyme, firstly in the cytosol and secondly in the nuclei. Using detergent-treated nuclei, we showed that PI3K-C2beta co-localized with lamin A/C in the nuclear matrix. This was confirmed biochemically, and a phosphoinositide kinase assay showed a statistically significant increase in nuclear PI3K-C2beta levels and lipid kinase activity following epidermal growth factor stimulation. C-terminal deletion and point mutations of PI3K-C2beta demonstrated that epidermal growth factor-driven translocation to the nucleus is dependent on a sequence of basic amino acid residues (KxKxK) that form a nuclear localization motif within the C-terminal C2 domain. Furthermore, when this sequence was expressed as an EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) fusion protein, it translocated fluorescence into nuclei with an efficiency dependent upon copy number. These data demonstrate that epidermal growth factor stimulates the appearance of PI3K-C2beta in nuclei. Further, this effect is dependent on a nuclear localization signal present within the C-terminal C2 domain, indicating its bimodal function regulating phospholipid binding and shuttling PI3K-C2beta into the nucleus.

In embryonic chicken erythrocytes actively transcribed alpha globin genes are not associated with the nuclear matrix.

The spatial organization of a 250 Kb region of chicken chromosome 14, which includes the alpha globin gene cluster, was studied using in situ hybridization of a corresponding BAC probe with nuclear halos. It was found that in non-erythroid cells (DT40) and cultured erythroid cells of definite lineage (HD3) the genomic region under study was partially (DT40 cells) or fully (HD3 cells) associated with the nuclear matrix. In contrast, in embryonic red blood cells (10-day RBC) the same area was located in the crown of DNA loops surrounding the nuclear matrix, although both globin genes and surrounding house-keeping genes were actively transcribed in these cells. This spatial organization was associated with the virtual absence of RNA polymerase II in nuclear matrices prepared from 10-day RBC. In contrast, in HD3 cells a significant portion of RNA polymerase II was present in nuclear matrices. Taken together, these observations suggest that in embryonic erythroid cells transcription does not occur in association with the nuclear matrix.

Three-dimensional visualization of transcription sites and their association with splicing factor-rich nuclear speckles.

Transcription sites are detected by labeling nascent transcripts with BrUTP in permeabilized 3T3 mouse fibroblasts followed by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Inhibition and enzyme digestion studies confirm that the labeled sites are from RNA transcripts and that RNA polymerase I (RP I) and II (RP II) are responsible for nucleolar and extranucleolar transcription, respectively. An average of 2,000 sites are detected per nucleus with over 90% in the extranucleolar compartment where they are arranged in clusters and three-dimensional networklike arrays. The number of transcription sites, their three-dimensional organization and arrangement into functional zones (Wei et al. 1998) is strikingly maintained after extraction for nuclear matrix. Significant levels of total RP II mediated transcription sites (45%) were associated with splicing factor-rich nuclear speckles even though the speckles occupied <10% of the total extranucleolar space. Moreover, the vast majority of nuclear speckles (>90%) had moderate to high levels of associated transcription activity. Transcription sites were found along the periphery as well as inside the speckles themselves. These spatial relations were confirmed in optical sections through individual speckles and after in vivo labeling of nascent transcripts. Our results demonstrate that nuclear speckles and their surrounding regions are major sites of RP II-mediated transcription in the cell nucleus, and support the view that both speckle- and nonspeckle-associated regions of the nucleus contain sites for the coordination of transcription and splicing processes.

Dynamic relocalization of hOGG1 during the cell cycle is disrupted in cells harbouring the hOGG1-Cys326 polymorphic variant.

Numerous lines of evidence support the role of oxidative stress in different types of cancer. A major DNA lesion, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG), is formed by reactive oxygen species in the genome under physiological conditions. 8-OxoG is strongly mutagenic, generating G.C-->T.A transversions, a frequent somatic mutation in cancers. hOGG1 was cloned as a gene encoding a DNA glycosylase that specifically recognizes and removes 8-oxoG from 8-oxoG:C base pairs and suppresses G.C-->T.A transversions. In this study, we investigated the subcellular localization and expression of hOGG1 during the cell cycle. Northern blots showed cell-cycle-dependent mRNA expression of the two major hOGG1 isoforms. By using a cell line constitutively expressing hOGG1 fused to enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP), we observed a dynamic relocalization of EGFP-hOGG1 to the nucleoli during the S-phase of the cell cycle, and this localization was shown to be linked to transcription. A C/G change that results in an amino acid substitution from serine to cysteine in codon 326 has been reported as a genetic polymorphism and a risk allele for a variety of cancers. We investigated the cellular localization of the corresponding protein, hOGG1-Cys326, fused to EGFP and observed a dramatic effect on its localization that is explained by a change in the phosphorylation status of hOGG1.

The leucine rich region of DNA-PKcs contributes to its innate DNA affinity.

DNA-PK is a protein complex that consists of a DNA-binding, regulatory subunit [Ku] and a larger approximately 465 kDa catalytic subunit [DNA-PKcs], a serine/threonine protein kinase. The kinase activity of DNA-PKcs resides between residues 3745 and 4013, a PI3 kinase domain. Another recognized domain within this large protein is a leucine zipper (LZ) motif or perhaps more appropriately designated a leucine rich region (LRR) that spans residues 1503-1602. Whereas, DNA-PK's kinase activity has been shown to be absolutely indispensable for its function in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), little is known about the functional relevance of the LRR. Here we show that DNA-PKcs with point mutations in the LRR can only partially reverse the radiosensitive phenotype and V(D)J recombination deficits of DNA-PKcs deficient cells. Disruption of the LRR motif affects the ability to purify DNA-PKcs via its binding to DNA-cellulose, but does not affect its interaction with Ku or its catalytic activity. These data suggest that the LRR region of DNA-PKcs may contribute to its intrinsic DNA affinity, and moreover, that intrinsic DNA binding is important for optimal function of DNA-PKcs in repairing double strand breaks in living cells.

Human OGG1 undergoes serine phosphorylation and associates with the nuclear matrix and mitotic chromatin in vivo.

OGG1 is the major DNA glycosylase in human cells for removal of 7,8 dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), one of the most frequent endogenous base lesions formed in the DNA of aerobic organisms. During replication, 8-oxoG will frequently mispair with adenine, thus forming G:C --> T:A transversions, a common somatic mutation associated with human cancers. In the present study, we have constructed a stable transfectant cell line expressing hOGG1 fused at the C-terminal end to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and investigated the cellular distribution of the fusion protein by fluorescence analysis. It is shown that hOGG1 is preferentially associated with chromatin and the nuclear matrix during interphase and becomes associated with the condensed chromatin during mitosis. Chromatin-bound hOGG1 was found to be phosphorylated on a serine residue in vivo as revealed by staining with an anti-phosphoserine-specific antibody. Chromatin-associated hOGG1 was co-precipitated with an antibody against protein kinase C (PKC), suggesting that PKC is responsible for the phosphorylation event. Both purified and nuclear matrix-associated hOGG1 were shown to be substrates for PKC-mediated phosphorylation in vitro. This appears to be the first demonstration of a post-translational modification of hOGG1 in vivo.

Increased rate of adenosine triphosphate-dependent etoposide (VP-16) efflux in a murine leukemia cell line overexpressing the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) gene.

WEHI-3B/NOVO is a cloned murine leukemia cell line selected for resistance to novobiocin that is cross-resistant to the cytotoxic action of etoposide (VP-16) and to a lesser extent to a variety of other topoisomerase II (topo II)-reactive drugs. We have reported previously (Cancer Res. 52: 2782-2790, 1992) that WEHI-3B/NOVO cells exhibit a pronounced decrease in VP-16 induced DNA-topo II cross-link formation compared to the parental WEHI-3B/S cell line in intact cells, in the absence of a significant difference in the P4 unknotting activity of topo II assayed in nuclear extracts. Because the pattern of cross-resistance was suggestive of a topo II-mediated mechanism, we have ascertained whether a change in topo II can account for the multidrug-resistant phenotype of WEHI-3B/NOVO cells. No differences existed between WEHI-3B/S and WEHI-3B/NOVO cells in topo II mRNA and protein levels, as well as in the amount of topo II associated with the nuclear matrix. Neither sensitive nor resistant cells expressed detectable levels of the MDR1 gene; however, VP-16 accumulation in WEHI-3B/NOVO cells was 3-4-fold less than that present in WEHI-3B/S cells, whereas doxorubicin accumulation was the same in both cell lines. Over the first 60 s, no difference existed in the rate of uptake of VP-16 between parental and resistant cells; however, beyond the first 60 s of incubation, [3H]VP-16 accumulated to a greater extent in parental sensitive cells. Thus, an increased rate of efflux of VP-16 was responsible for the lower steady-state concentration of the drug in resistant cells. The efflux Km for VP-16 in WEHI-3B/NOVO cells was 254.7 microM and the Vmax was 10.4 pmol/s/10(7) cells. In the presence of the inhibitors of energy metabolism, sodium azide and deoxyglucose, the efflux of VP-16 was markedly inhibited; readdition of glucose restored the original efflux rate. Northern blot analyses using the human 10.1 probe for the 3'-terminal region of the multidrug-resistance protein (MRP) cDNA revealed a mRNA species of approximately 6 kb in WEHI-3B/NOVO cells but not in WEHI-3B/S cells. Overexpression was associated with amplification of the cognate gene. To ascertain whether the overexpressed gene in WEHI-3B/NOVO cells was the murine MRP or a different member of the same superfamily of ATP-binding ABC cassette transporters, a 341-bp MRP cDNA probe was generated from a murine genomic library.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Enhanced nuclear diacylglycerol kinase activity in response to a mitogenic stimulation of quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells with insulin-like growth factor I.

Results from several laboratories have established the existence in the nucleus of an autonomous polyphosphoinositide cycle, which is involved in both cell proliferation and differentiation. A key step of intranuclear polyphosphoinositide metabolism is the phospholipase C-mediated generation of diacylglycerol (DAG). In insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I-stimulated Swiss 3T3 cells, a transient elevation of intranuclear DAG levels is essential for attracting the alpha isoform of protein kinase C (PKC) to the nucleus. Previous evidence has shown that the nucleus also contains DAG kinase, i.e., the enzyme that yields phosphatidic acid from DAG, thus terminating PKC-mediated signaling events. Here we show that IGF-I treatment of quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells results in the stimulation of nuclear DAG kinase activity. Time course analysis showed an inverse relationship between nuclear DAG mass and DAG kinase activity levels. After IGF-I treatment, maximal enhancement of DAG kinase activity was measured in the internal matrix domain of the nucleus. PKC-alpha remained within the nuclear compartment, even when nuclear DAG mass returned to basal levels. This was conceivably due to interactions with specific nuclear PKC-binding proteins, some of which were identified as lamins A, B, and C and protein C23/nucleolin. Treatment of cells with two DAG kinase inhibitors, R59022 and R59949, blocked the IGF-I-dependent rise in nuclear DAG kinase activity and maintained elevated intranuclear levels of DAG. The two inhibitors also markedly potentiated the mitogenic effect of IGF-I. These results suggest that nuclear DAG kinase plays a key role in regulating the levels of DAG present in the nucleus and that DAG is a key molecule for the mitogenic effect that IGF-I exerts on Swiss 3T3 cells.

Nuclear distribution of histone deacetylase: a marker enzyme for the internal nuclear matrix.

Nuclear matrins are proteins that localize to the internal nuclear matrix. In a previous study, we reported that histone deacetylase is a component of the internal matrix, suggesting that histone deacetylase is a nuclear matrin. Here, we demonstrate that the majority of the histone deacetylase activity is associated with the internal nuclear matrices of chicken and trout liver. Thus, the association of the histone deacetylase with the internal nuclear matrix is neither tissue- nor species-specific. Using histone deacetylase as a marker enzyme for the partitioning of the internal nuclear matrix during nuclear fractionations, we show that in contrast to the internal nuclear matrices of trout liver, trout hepatocellular carcinoma and chicken liver, the stability of the chicken erythrocyte internal nuclear matrix is temperature-dependent. Our results support a model that has the histone deacetylase mediating transient interactions between the internal nuclear matrix and chromatin regions undergoing dynamic acetylation, for example transcriptionally active chromatin regions.

Nuclear domains and the nuclear matrix.

This overview describes the spatial distribution of several enzymatic machineries and functions in the interphase nucleus. Three general observations can be made. First, many components of the different nuclear machineries are distributed in the nucleus in a characteristic way for each component. They are often found concentrated in specific domains. Second, nuclear machineries for the synthesis and processing of RNA and DNA are associated with an insoluble nuclear structure, called nuclear matrix. Evidently, handling of DNA and RNA is done by immobilized enzyme systems. Finally, the nucleus seems to be divided in two major compartments. One is occupied by compact chromosomes, the other compartment is the space between the chromosomes. In the latter, transcription takes place at the surface of chromosomal domains and it houses the splicing machinery. The relevance of nuclear organization for efficient gene expression is discussed.

Binding of a 23 kD endonuclease to the rat liver nuclear matrix.

In a previous paper we have described a 23 kD nuclear endonuclease (p23) that was mostly found to exist in a state of association with the isolated rat hepatocyte nuclear matrix. To investigate the nature of this interaction, the nuclear matrix was prepared using different procedures and examined for the presence/absence of the enzyme by activity gel analysis. Treatment of isolated nuclei with sodium tetrathionate (NaTT), a sulfhydryl-cross-linking agent, led to the complete recovery of p23 in the nuclear matrix, whereas incubation of nuclei with dithiothreitol (DTT), a sulfhydryl-reducing agent, led to its complete solubilization and resulting absence from the nuclear matrix. Exposure of the isolated nuclear matrix to DTT in high-ionic strength buffer, a procedure that promotes the solubilization of the internal nuclear matrix, caused the nearly complete solubilization of p23. It was concluded that disulfide bonds play an essential role in the association of p23 with the nuclear matrix and that p23 is mostly localized in the nuclear matrix interior.

Immunocytochemical detection of the specific association of different PIC isoforms with cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix compartments in PC12 cells.

The increasing evidence of discrete roles of phosphoinositidase C (PIC) isoforms and the assessment of their localization in the cytoskeleton and in the nucleus support the involvement of particular isotypes of this enzyme in signal transduction at multiple levels. PC12 rat pheochromocytoma is one of the few cell lines expressing three immunologically distinct isoforms of PIC. We have analyzed the subcellular distribution of the PIC beta 1, gamma 1 and delta 1 isoforms using confocal and electron microscope immunocytochemistry. PIC beta 1 is mainly found in the nucleus and is associated with interchromatin domains. On the other hand, the PIC gamma 1 isoform is found in the nucleus and in the cytosol, while PIC delta 1 is exclusively cytoplasmic. Immunoblot and immunocytochemical experiments indicate that the various PIC isoforms are differently bound to structural cell compartments, such as cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix elements. In fact, PIC beta 1 and PIC gamma 1 isoforms are tightly associated with the nuclear matrix, while only about 50% of PIC gamma 1 is associated with the cytoskeleton after DNase I and high salt extractions. PIC gamma 1 is almost completely soluble under these conditions. These results further confirm the complexity of the inositide signal transduction mechanism, which involves several PIC isoforms, specifically localized in different cell compartments and support the existence of a membrane-unrelated inositol lipid-dependent signalling in the nuclear interior.

Phospholipid composition, phospholipase A2 and sphingomyelinase activities in rat liver nuclear membrane and matrix.

Little data has been published regarding the presence of lipolytic--neutral sphingomyelinase and phospholipase A2--activities in the nuclear matrix and membranes of cells. Considering the influence of phospholipids and the above enzymes on transcription and replication, the phospholipid composition and lipolytic activities of the nuclear matrix and membrane was determined. Pure nuclei from normal rat liver cells were isolated after nuclease digestion and extraction of the nuclear material with low and high ionic strengths, in presence of reducing agents. Phosphatidylcholine was the main phospholipid in the nuclear membranes (44% from the total phospholipids) whereas the amount of phosphatidylserine was highest in the nuclear matrix (45%). The specific activity of phospholipase A2 in nuclear membranes was similar to that from liver plasma membranes and in hen erythrocyte nuclear membranes, (2.3 +/- 0.6 nmol/mg/min, SEM, n = 8) while in the nuclear matrix it was 20 times higher. It did not show specificity towards phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine as substrates. A high sphingomyelinase activity in the nuclear matrix of rat liver was found (12.7 +/- 2.1 nmol/mg/min, SEM, n = 8) and this activity was affected by reducing agents (dithiotreitol). Our results showed that phospholipids phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine were constituent part of the nuclear structures as were the enzymes phospholipase A2 and sphingomyelinase. This is consist with a role for lipids and their breakdown products in metabolic events within the nucleus.

Effect of nonviable preparations from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 on nuclear matrix-associated DNA polymerase alpha and DNA topoisomerase II activities.

In a previous paper, we determined that treatment of lymphocytes with nonviable preparations of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) results in an impairment of the phosphatidylinositol/protein kinase C pathway, most likely due to an inhibition of the cleavage of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate into inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol, mediated by phospholipase C. Here we show that one consequence of these changes is a reduced phosphorylation of nuclear matrix-associated DNA topoisomerase II, resulting in an inhibition of the activity of this enzyme. Antibodies to the viral proteins suppressed the inhibitory effects caused by the HIV-1 preparation. Furthermore, the phytohemagglutinin A-caused augmentation of nuclear matrix-associated DNA polymerase alpha and beta activities was found to be abolished by coincubation with the HIV preparation or with the HIV-1 gp120. The phytohemagglutinin A-enhanced matrix association and processivity of DNA polymerase alpha was determined to be reduced if the lymphocytes were in contact with HIV-1 preparation. These results suggest that the reduced proliferative response of lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin A in the presence of disrupted HIV-1 preparation is due to inhibition of at least two, perhaps separate, pathways, one involving protein kinase C resulting in a reduced phosphorylation of DNA topoisomerase II and the other changing the state of matrix association of DNA polymerase alpha and beta.

Subcellular distribution of the alpha and beta topoisomerase II-DNA complexes stabilized by VM-26.

Studies were done to determine (a) the subcellular distribution of the alpha (170 kDa) and beta (180 kDa) isozymes of topoisomerase II, and (b) the extent to which each isozyme forms complexes with DNA in tumor cells incubated with and without VM-26. Western blotting revealed that topoisomerase II beta was highly unstable during cell fractionation. However, preincubation of human CEM leukemia cells with 5-100 microM VM-26 for 30 min protected the beta isozyme from degradation by progressively increasing the amount of this isoform bound to DNA. The amount of topoisomerase II beta detected in nuclei of CEM cells incubated for 30 min with 25 microM VM-26 was 7-fold greater than in nuclei from untreated control cells. VM-26 also had a protective effect on topoisomerase II beta in HL-60 leukemia and WiDR colon carcinoma cells. In contrast, the intercalating agents mitoxantrone and m-AMSA did not protect topoisomerase II beta from degradation during cell fractionation. The stabilization of topoisomerase II beta by VM-26 allowed subsequent studies of the subcellular distribution of the topoisomerase II isozymes. Both isozymes were detected in the nonmatrix (high salt-soluble) fraction of nuclei from CEM cells, but only topoisomerase II alpha was present in the nuclear matrix. VM-26 stabilized binding of the alpha and beta topoisomerase II isoenzymes to nonmatrix DNA and topoisomerase II alpha to matrix DNA. The differences observed in the subnuclear distribution and DNA binding pattern of the topoisomerase II isozymes support the hypotheses that each isozyme has a distinct cellular function, and that both the alpha and beta isozymes are potential targets for VM-26 in intact cells. In addition, the results demonstrated that pretreatment of various cell lines with VM-26 is a useful way to stabilize topoisomerase II beta during cell fractionation.

DNA topoisomerase II isozymes involved in anticancer drug action and resistance.

DNA topoisomerase II is a major protein of the nuclear matrix. The enzyme appears to have a central role in both DNA organization and replication. The importance of nuclear matrix topoisomerase II alpha as a target for certain anticancer agents was evaluated in CEM human leukemia cells. Studies were done to determine the extent to which the alpha (170 kDa) and beta (180 kDa) isozymes of topoisomerase II form covalent enzyme-DNA complexes in whole cells and in the nuclear matrix and nonmatrix fractions of CEM cells that are either sensitive or resistant to topoisomerase II-active anticancer agents. Topoisomerase II alpha was detected in both the high salt-soluble (nonmatrix) and matrix fractions of nuclei from parental CEM cells. Most of the matrix topoisomerase II alpha was tightly bound to DNA in cells incubated with VM-26. In contrast, topoisomerase II beta was detected only in the high salt-soluble (nonmatrix) fraction of the nucleus. The subnuclear distribution of the alpha and beta topoisomerase II isozymes in CEM/VM-1 cells resistant to topoisomerase-active drugs was similar to that in drug-sensitive CEM cells. However, the amount and activity of topoisomerase II alpha in nuclear matrices of CEM/VM-1 cells were decreased 3- to 6-fold relative to that of CEM cells. The differences observed in the subnuclear distribution and DNA binding pattern of the topoisomerase II isozymes support the hypotheses that each isozyme has a distinct cellular function. Furthermore, these results provide evidence that topoisomerase II alpha is the nuclear matrix target for VM-26, and that depletion of the nuclear matrix isozyme contributes to cellular resistance to this anticancer agent.

The bovine tyrosine hydroxylase gene associates in vitro with the nuclear matrix by its first intron sequence.

Recently we have shown that in vitro binding of the proximal part of the human tyrosine hydroxylase gene to the nuclear matrix is correlated with its transcriptional activity. The strongest binding potential was predicted by computing for the first intron sequence (Lenartowski & Goc, 2002, Neurosci Lett.; 330: 151-154). In this study a 16 kb fragment of the bovine genomic DNA containing the tyrosine hydroxylase gene was investigated for its affinity to the nuclear matrix. Only a 950 bp fragment encoding the distal part of the first intron, second exon and a few nucleotides of the second intron bound to the nuclear matrix. The binding was independent of the tissue-specific tyrosine hydroxylase gene activation. The fragment was subcloned and sequenced. Computer search pointed to one potential intronic matrix attachment region with two AP1-like sites embedded in the sequence. We conclude that even if the position of the matrix binding region is conserved among the tyrosine hydroxylase genes in mammals, its tissue specificity and/or function is not preserved or is achieved by different mechanisms.