Architecture Dynamics:Nucleus

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

It has been approximately two centuries since the term “nucleus” was coined by Robert Brown, who observed an opaque spot in each cell of the leaves of orchids. Only recently, we started to understand nuclear and chromosome architecture and dynamics: some regions of the chromosome are "open" and other regions are tightly condensed; the nuclear membrane breaks down and reassembles every time the cell undergoes cell division; lots of molecules are actively transported in and out of the nucleus. In addition, diverse molecules present in the nucleus allow for multiple layers of regulation of gene expression. In this course, we will delve into topics relevant to the nucleus, including nuclear import and export, nuclear-cytoskeletal connections, the nuclear membrane, nucleolus, and chromatin organization. Reflecting the rapid development of this exciting field, the lecture mostly consists of discussing primary literature and review papers. The main focus of the course is scientific questions and findings, not rote learning of facts. The lecture will be interspersed with small group discussions.