The nuclear matrix is an essential component of the nucleus which is important for the nuclear structural integrity and specific genomic functions. The nuclear matrix is composed of nuclear lamina,internal nuclear skeleton and nuclear pore complex which provides structural support for several processes such as DNA replication,transcription,and RNA splicing and transport. The molecular mechanisms about the morphological and biochemical changes which take place in the cell nucleus during the apoptotic process have escaped clarification for many years.Recently, the studies on the nuclear matrix and apoptosis have made great progress. The biochemical and morphological changes and the apoptotic genes' expression detected in the nuclear matrix during the apoptotic process will be delineated. Particular emphasis will be laid on the proteolysis that some nuclear matrix proteins undergo early during the apoptotic process, which may have important biological significance in researching the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis.