The chromosome periphery is a complex network of proteins and RNA molecules (many derived from nucleoli) that covers the outer surface of chromosomes and whose function remains mysterious. Although it was first described over 130 years ago, technological advances and the recent discovery that Ki-67 acts as an organiser of this region have allowed the chromosome periphery to be dissected in previously unattainable detail, leading to a revival of interest in this obscure chromosomal compartment. Here, we review the most recent advances into the composition, structure and function of the chromosome periphery, discuss possible roles of Ki-67 during mitosis and consider why this structure is likely to remain the focus of ongoing attention in the future.

染色体外围是一个复杂的蛋白质和RNA分子网络（许多源自核仁），覆盖着染色体的外表面，其功能仍然神秘。尽管它是在130多年前首次描述的，但是技术进步和最近的发现（即Ki-67充当该区域的组织者）已经允许以以前无法实现的细节解剖染色体外围，从而引起了人们对这种晦涩的染色体的兴趣的复兴。隔间。在这里，我们回顾了染色体外围的组成，结构和功能的最新进展，讨论了Ki-67在有丝分裂过程中的可能作用，并考虑了为什么这种结构可能仍然是未来持续关注的焦点。