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Almost all of the functions in a cell or organism can trace their beginnings to the cell nucleus with the turn on of a gene, processing
of its RNA,
and
subsequent transport
of that RNA into the cytoplasm where it is synthesized into a protein. Yet very little is known about how these events are spatially and temporally coordinated within the context of the
nucleus to allow for the regulation of accurate gene expression; or how they go awry resulting in various diseases.
Our laboratory has focused on implementing innovative approaches to image gene expression within the context of the living cell. Such approaches allow
us to gain
important insight into the
spatial and temporal aspects of gene expression that are difficult, if not impossible, to acquire using in vitro approaches. To complement our cell biological studies we have taken a biochemical approach and purified a nuclear organelle called interchromatin granule clusters
(IGCs) or nuclear speckles from mouse liver nuclei. Using mass spectrometry we have thus far identified 138 proteins that are bona fide constituents of the IGCs. The
majority of these proteins are involved in various aspects of gene expression. This interdisciplinary approach will establish the in vivo parameters necessary for efficient gene expression
and will serve as the basis from which to study alterations in nuclear function related to various diseases.
Contact Us
David L. Spector: Phone (516) 367-8456; email spector@cshl.edu
Laboratory Phone: (516) 367-8478
Laboratory Fax: (516) 367-8876
One Bungtown Road
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
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