Nuclear organization: taking a position on gene expression

Abstract

Eukaryotic genomes are divided into chromosomes that occupy defined regions or territories within the nucleus. These chromosome territories (CTs) are arranged based on the transcriptional activity and chromatin landscape of domains. In general, transcriptionally silent domains reside at the nuclear periphery, whereas active domains locate within the interior. Changes in nuclear position are observed for stress-induced and developmentally regulated tissue-specific genes. Upon activation, these genes move away from a CT to inter-chromosomal space containing nuclear bodies enriched in gene expression machinery. Gene activation is not always accompanied by movement, as positioning is dictated by many determinants, including gene structure and the local genomic environment. Collectively, tissue-specific nuclear organization results from a culmination of inputs that result in proper transcriptional regulation.