NUCLEAR MATRIX ASSOCIATED DNA-BINDING PROTEINS OF OCULAR LENS EPITHELIAL-CELLS

Association of transcription factors with the nuclear matrix represent s a mechanism by which nuclear architecture may influence transcriptio nal control of gene expression. This investigation examines nuclear ma trix associated proteins (NMP's) isolated from ocular lens epithelial cells by monitoring DNA binding activities using consensus oligonucleo tides recognized by the transcription factors YY1, AML-1, AP-1, SP-1 a nd ATF. The nuclear matrix fractions tested included an immortilized h uman lens epithelial cell line containing the SV40 large T-antigen, an d two mouse lens epithelial cell lines derived from either a normal mo use or a cataract mouse. A rabbit epidermal epithelial cell line and H eLa cells were also included in this study for comparison. The data fr om these experiments reveal that ubiquitously represented and tissue r estricted regulatory proteins are associated with nuclear matrix of le ns epithelial cells. The functional significance of the nuclear matrix association of these transcription factors remains to be determined. However, our findings raise the possibility that the transcription fac tors associated with the nuclear matrix could have specific roles in g ene regulation and eye tissue development.