Electrophoretic analysis of nuclear matrix proteins and the potential clinical applications.

Nuclear matrix proteins form the skeleton of the nucleus and participate in the various cellular functions of the nucleus. These proteins have been demonstrated to be tissue-type specific and can potentially reflect changes in the state of differentiation of the cell. Elucidating nuclear matrix protein changes necessitates the use of high-resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Separation of this complex mixture into its component parts resolves protein changes when comparing the normal state to a diseased state of a cell. Evidence has been reviewed which shows the potential use of nuclear matrix proteins and antibodies to nuclear matrix proteins as diagnostic tools for various cancers, autoimmune diseases, adenoviral infection, and other diseases. Consequently, the central functions of the nuclear matrix in the cell allow it to have significant potential as a diagnostic agent.