Fractionation of the nuclear matrix. I. Partial separation into matrix protein fibrils and a residual ribonucleoprotein fraction.

Abstract

Isolated rat liver nuclear matrices were partially separated by means of mild sonication into a matrix protein (matricin) fraction and a residual ribonucleoprotein (RNP) fraction. The initial matricin fraction is composed largely of protein (91.1%) but also contains significant amounts of DNA (8.4%). Reconstruction experiments indicate that this DNA is not the result of the artifactual binding of DNA to the matrix during the extraction procedures. Subsequent treatment with DNase I results in purified matricin composed of > 99.5% protein. SDS [sodium dodecyl sulfate] acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the matrix protein fibrils reveals only 3 bands: the primary matrix polypeptides of 62,000, 66,000 and 70,000 daltons. EM demonstrates a diffuse reticulum with fibrils as thin as 30-50 .ANG. and the presence of 80-100-.ANG. globular structures. The residual RNP fraction is composed largely of protein (80.1%) and RNA (19.5%), with only traces of DNA (1.1%). Over 98% of the total matrix-associated RNA is recovered in this fraction. SDS acrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates an enrichment in both low and high MW secondary matrix polypeptides, although the 60,000-70,000-dalton polypeptides are present in significant amounts as well. Ultrastructural analysis of the residual RNP fraction reveals distinct electron-dense-staining matrix particles (150-350 .ANG.) attached to a fibrous matricin network.