Review: perinucleolar structures

Abstract

Several perinucleolar structures have been described in recent years. This review primarily summarizes recent studies regarding two of these structures, the perinucleolar compartment (PNC) and the Sam68 nuclear body (SNB). A number of studies have explored their ultrastructure and molecular components. Despite their different nuclear localizations, PNCs and SNBs share some common characteristics. They both are enriched with RNA binding proteins and nucleic acids and are predominantly localized to the periphery of the nucleolus. They are observed mostly in transformed cells, although prevalence differs among different cell types and cell lines. Their structural integrity is influenced by the transcriptional state of the cell. However, the functions of both the PNC and the SNB remain unknown. In addition to the PNC and SNB, a perinucleolar structure immunolabeled with an antibody to hnRNP L will be discussed.