Nuclear pore complex composition: a new regulator of tissue-specific and developmental functions

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2012 Nov;13(11):687-99. doi: 10.1038/nrm3461.

Abstract

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are multiprotein aqueous channels that penetrate the nuclear envelope connecting the nucleus and the cytoplasm. NPCs consist of multiple copies of roughly 30 different proteins known as nucleoporins (NUPs). Due to their essential role in controlling nucleocytoplasmic transport, NPCs have traditionally been considered as structures of ubiquitous composition. The overall structure of the NPC is indeed conserved in all cells, but new evidence suggests that the protein composition of NPCs varies among cell types and tissues. Moreover, mutations in various nucleoporins result in tissue-specific diseases. These findings point towards a heterogeneity in NPC composition and function. This unexpected heterogeneity suggests that cells use a combination of different nucleoporins to assemble NPCs with distinct properties and specialized functions.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus* / genetics
  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
  • Genetic Variation
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Envelope / metabolism
  • Nuclear Pore / chemistry
  • Nuclear Pore / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / chemistry
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins