Isolation of chromatin DNA tightly bound to the nuclear envelope of HeLa cells.

Recent discovery of the role of nuclear pores in transcription, predicted by our early DNA-membrane complex (DMC) model, makes membrane-bound DNA (MBD) isolation from the cell nucleus and analysis of the MBD actual. The method of MBD isolation proposed by us retains DMC integrity during isolation. We used HeLa cells for DMC extraction.

The mechanism of a nuclear pore assembly: a molecular biophysics view.

The basic problem of nuclear pore assembly is the big perinuclear space that must be overcome for nuclear membrane fusion and pore creation. Our investigations of ternary complexes: DNA-PC liposomes-Mg²⁺, and modern conceptions of nuclear pore structure allowed us to introduce a new mechanism of nuclear pore assembly. DNA-induced fusion of liposomes (membrane vesicles) with a single-lipid bilayer or two closely located nuclear membranes is considered.

Investigation of ternary complexes: DNA-phosphatidylcholine liposomes-Mg2+ by freeze-fracture method and their role in the formation of some cell structures.

Long-term investigations of ternary complexes: DNA-zwitterionic liposomes-divalent metal cations have revealed many details of their structure; but some questions need additional study. The conditions under which fusion or aggregation of liposomes occurs during such complex formation remain obscure. The DNA structure in the ternary complex is still unclear.

DNA-induced aggregation and fusion of phosphatidylcholine liposomes in the presence of multivalent cations observed by the cryo-TEM technique.

By means of cryoelectron transmission microscopy (cryo-TEM), we were able to demonstrate the formation of ternary complexes (TC): DNA-phosphatidylcholine liposome-divalent metal cations. Addition of Ba2+ to TC led to visualization of DNA compacting on the liposome surface. Staining the TC by Tb3+ cations revealed the changed secondary structure of DNA located between fused liposomes.