Increase in a 55-kDa keratin-like protein in the nuclear matrix of rat liver cells during proliferative activation

We have identified a protein (p55) with a molecular weight of 55 kDa and a pI of 6.2, which was strongly increased in the nuclear matrix of rat liver cells during proliferative activation. This protein is highly insoluble since it could not be solubilized either by detergents or by alkaline extraction. We have obtained three partial amino acid sequences which revealed that p55 has a high homology with cytokeratins. Polyclonal antibodies raised against p55 were used to carry out Western blot and immunocytochemical studies which indicated that p55 was localized only in the nuclei, specifically in the nuclear matrix. Autoradiographic experiments revealed that not all the cells presenting an increase in p55 incorporated [3H]thymidine, indicating that this protein is not related to DNA replication. Immunocytochemical studies also revealed that during mitosis p55 is localized surrounding the chromosomes and associated with the mitotic apparatus, suggesting that p55 is involved in the separation of chromosomes during cell division.