Cell nucleus

The cell nucleus is a double-membraned, membrane-bound organelle found in nearly all eukaryotic cells and is generally the largest cellular organelle[1][2][3][5][7]. It houses the cell's genetic material (DNA), which is organized as chromatin, and contains specialized regions such as the nucleolus for ribosome assembly[2][3][4]. The nucleus controls cell growth, division, and differentiation through the regulation of gene expression, and mediates processes such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, and RNA processing in a compartment physically separated from the cytoplasm[1][3][5][7]. The nuclear envelope, consisting of inner and outer lipid bilayer membranes, surrounds the nucleus and regulates molecular traffic through nuclear pores[2][3][5]. The nucleus plays an indirect but central role in virtually all diseases linked to genomic instability, misregulation of gene expression, or aberrant cell proliferation, and is targeted by pathogens (especially DNA viruses)[1][3]. However, "Host cell nucleus" is not considered a therapeutic target in the conventional sense (i.e., it is not a receptor, enzyme, or specific molecular entity); rather, it is a fundamental structural and functional compartment essential for cell viability, and drugs do not selectively target the host cell nucleus without compromising cell survival and health[1][2][3][5][7].

Other names

NucleusHost cell nucleusNuclei (plural)