Nucleoporins: leaving the nuclear pore complex for a successful mitosis

Cell Signal. 2011 Oct;23(10):1555-62. doi: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2011.05.023. Epub 2011 Jun 13.

Abstract

The nuclear envelope (NE) separates the cytoplasm and the cell nucleus of interphase eukaryotic cells and nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) mediate the macromolecular exchange between these two compartments. The NE and the NPCs of vertebrate cells disassemble during prophase and the nuclear pore proteins (nucleoporins) are distributed within the mitotic cytoplasm. For an increasing number of them active mitotic functions have been assigned over the past few years. Nucleoporins are participating in spindle assembly, kinetochore organisation, and the spindle assembly checkpoint, all processes that control chromosome segregation and are important for maintenance of genome integrity. But nucleoporins are also engaged in early and late mitotic events, such as centrosome positioning and cytokinesis. Here we will highlight recent progress in deciphering the roles for nucleoporins in the distinct steps of mitosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Centrosome / physiology
  • Chromosome Segregation
  • Cytokinesis
  • Interphase*
  • Kinetochores / metabolism
  • M Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints
  • Mitosis*
  • Nuclear Pore / genetics
  • Nuclear Pore / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins