International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology (Volume 322)

Nuclear size is generally maintained within a defined range in a given cell type. Changes in cell size that occur during cell growth, development, and differentiation are accompanied by dynamic nuclear size adjustments in order to establish appropriate nuclear-to-cytoplasmic volume relationships. It has long been recognized that aberrations in nuclear size are associated with certain disease states, most notably cancer. Nuclear size and morphology must impact nuclear and cellular functions. Understanding these functional implications requires an understanding of the mechanisms that control nuclear size. In this review, we first provide a general overview of the diverse cellular structures and activities that contribute to nuclear size control, including structural components of the nucleus, effects of DNA amount and chromatin compaction, signaling, and transport pathways that impinge on the nucleus, extranuclear structures, and cell cycle state. We then detail some of the key mechanistic findings about nuclear size regulation that have been gleaned from a variety of model organisms. Lastly, we review studies that have implicated nuclear size in the regulation of cell and nuclear function and speculate on the potential functional significance of nuclear size in chromatin organization, gene expression, nuclear mechanics, and disease. With many fundamental cell biological questions remaining to be answered, the field of nuclear size regulation is still wide open.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology, and includes articles that address the structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth.

The series has a worldwide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists.

• Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances
• Presents a wide range of perspectives on specific subjects
• Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology, and includes articles that address the structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. The series has a worldwide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances Presents a wide range of perspectives on specific subjects Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology. The series has a worldwide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances Presents a wide range of perspectives on specific subjects Contains valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists