Proteomic analysis of interchromatin granule clusters

Mol Biol Cell. 2004 Aug;15(8):3876-90. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e04-03-0253. Epub 2004 May 28.

Abstract

A variety of proteins involved in gene expression have been localized within mammalian cell nuclei in a speckled distribution that predominantly corresponds to interchromatin granule clusters (IGCs). We have applied a mass spectrometry strategy to identify the protein composition of this nuclear organelle purified from mouse liver nuclei. Using this approach, we have identified 146 proteins, many of which had already been shown to be localized to IGCs, or their functions are common to other already identified IGC proteins. In addition, we identified 32 proteins for which only sequence information is available and thus these represent novel IGC protein candidates. We find that 54% of the identified IGC proteins have known functions in pre-mRNA splicing. In combination with proteins involved in other steps of pre-mRNA processing, 81% of the identified IGC proteins are associated with RNA metabolism. In addition, proteins involved in transcription, as well as several other cellular functions, have been identified in the IGC fraction. However, the predominance of pre-mRNA processing factors supports the proposed role of IGCs as assembly, modification, and/or storage sites for proteins involved in pre-mRNA processing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus / immunology
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Chromatin / chemistry*
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Mice
  • Nuclear Proteins / analysis*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / physiology
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proteomics
  • RNA Precursors / genetics
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism*
  • RNA Splicing*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RNA Precursors
  • RNA, Messenger