The multifunctional nucleolus

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2007 Jul;8(7):574-85. doi: 10.1038/nrm2184.

Abstract

The nucleolus is a distinct subnuclear compartment that was first observed more than 200 years ago. Nucleoli assemble around the tandemly repeated ribosomal DNA gene clusters and 28S, 18S and 5.8S ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are transcribed as a single precursor, which is processed and assembled with the 5S rRNA into ribosome subunits. Although the nucleolus is primarily associated with ribosome biogenesis, several lines of evidence now show that it has additional functions. Some of these functions, such as regulation of mitosis, cell-cycle progression and proliferation, many forms of stress response and biogenesis of multiple ribonucleoprotein particles, will be discussed, as will the relation of the nucleolus to human diseases.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleolus / chemistry
  • Cell Nucleolus / genetics
  • Cell Nucleolus / metabolism*
  • Cell Nucleolus / physiology
  • Cell Nucleolus / ultrastructure
  • DNA, Ribosomal / analysis
  • DNA, Ribosomal / biosynthesis
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Humans
  • Indoles
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Mitosis
  • Models, Biological
  • Nucleolus Organizer Region / physiology
  • Nucleolus Organizer Region / ultrastructure
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism
  • RNA, Ribosomal / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal / metabolism
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / metabolism
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 28S / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 28S / metabolism
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S / metabolism
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5S / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5S / genetics
  • RNA, Small Nucleolar / genetics
  • RNA, Small Nucleolar / metabolism
  • Ribonucleoproteins / genetics
  • Ribonucleoproteins / metabolism
  • Ribosomes / genetics
  • Ribosomes / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA, Ribosomal
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Indoles
  • RNA Precursors
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 28S
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5S
  • RNA, Small Nucleolar
  • Ribonucleoproteins
  • DAPI