PML body organization

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

A process that is carried out at the cellular level which results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of PML bodies, a class of nuclear body; they react against SP100 auto-antibodies (PML = promyelocytic leukemia). [GOC:mah, PMID:10806078]

PML bodies, also known as PML nuclear bodies (NBs), are dynamic, subnuclear structures that play critical roles in various cellular processes, including DNA repair, transcription, and antiviral defense. Their organization and function are tightly regulated, involving a complex interplay of proteins and interactions with chromatin.

The formation of PML bodies begins with the recruitment of PML protein, a scaffold protein that serves as the foundation for these structures. PML interacts with various other proteins, including SUMO-modified proteins, DAXX, and Sp100, through its RING finger domain and SUMO interacting motifs. The recruitment of these proteins, along with other components like the PML-RARα oncoprotein, leads to the formation of a distinct nuclear domain.

PML bodies are highly dynamic structures that constantly change in size, shape, and composition. This dynamic nature reflects their active role in cellular processes. They undergo continuous cycles of assembly and disassembly, driven by factors such as cell cycle progression, stress responses, and viral infection.

The organization of PML bodies is influenced by various factors, including:

* **Chromatin interactions:** PML bodies are often found in close proximity to specific genomic regions, including centromeres and telomeres. This association suggests their role in regulating gene expression and maintaining genome stability.
* **SUMOylation:** The covalent attachment of SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) to proteins is crucial for PML body assembly. SUMOylation regulates the recruitment and activity of various PML body components, contributing to their dynamic nature.
* **Post-translational modifications:** Other modifications, such as phosphorylation and acetylation, also influence PML body organization and function. These modifications can alter protein interactions and regulate the activity of PML body components.

The biological processes associated with PML body organization are diverse and complex, reflecting their multifaceted roles in cellular function. These roles include:

* **DNA repair:** PML bodies participate in various DNA repair pathways, including double-strand break repair and base excision repair. They act as platforms for the assembly of repair machinery, ensuring efficient DNA damage response.
* **Transcriptional regulation:** PML bodies can regulate gene expression by influencing the recruitment of transcription factors and chromatin remodeling complexes to specific genomic regions.
* **Antiviral defense:** PML bodies are crucial for the antiviral response. They sequester viral proteins, inhibit viral replication, and activate antiviral signaling pathways, contributing to the host's defense against viral infections.

Disruptions in PML body organization have been linked to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Understanding the mechanisms underlying PML body formation and function is essential for developing targeted therapies for these diseases.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (73)