The Neutrophil Nucleus and Its Role in Neutrophilic Function

J Cell Biochem. 2015 Sep;116(9):1831-6. doi: 10.1002/jcb.25124.

Abstract

The cell nucleus plays a key role in differentiation processes in eukaryotic cells. It is not the nucleus in particular, but the organization of the genes and their remodeling that provides the data for the adjustments to be made according to the medium. The neutrophil nucleus has a different morphology. It is a multi-lobed nucleus where some researchers argue no longer function. However, studies indicate that it is very probable the occurrence of chromatin remodeling during activation steps. It may be that the human neutrophil nucleus also contributes to the mobility of neutrophils through thin tissue spaces. Questions like these will be discussed in this small review. The topics include morphology of human neutrophil nucleus, maturation process and modifications of the neutrophil nucleus, neutrophil activation and chromatin modifications, causes and consequences of multi-lobulated segmented morphology, and importance of the nucleus in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).

Keywords: DIFFERENTIATION; NEUTROPHIL; NEUTROPHIL NUCLEUS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Nucleus / physiology*
  • Cell Nucleus Shape
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • Humans
  • Neutrophils / physiology*