Nucleolus and rRNA Gene Chromatin in Early Embryo Development

Publication date: Available online 18 July 2019Source: Trends in GeneticsAuthor(s): Jelena Kresoja-Rakic, Raffaella SantoroThe nucleolus is the largest substructure in the nucleus and forms around the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs), which comprise hundreds of rRNA genes. Recent evidence highlights further functions of the nucleolus that go beyond ribosome biogenesis. Data indicate that the nucleolus acts as a compartment for the location and regulation of repressive genomic domains and, together with the nuclear lamina, represents the hub for the organization of the inactive heterochromatin. In this review, we discuss recent findings that have revealed how nucleolar structure and rRNA gene chromatin states are regulated during early mammalian development and their contribution to the higher-order spatial organization of the genome.

Source: Trends in Genetics - July 19, 2019 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research