Structure and Assembly of the Nuclear Pore Complex

Annu Rev Biophys. 2019 May 6:48:515-536. doi: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-052118-115308. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Abstract

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) mediate nucleocytoplasmic exchange. They are exceptionally large protein complexes that fuse the inner and outer nuclear membranes to form channels across the nuclear envelope. About 30 different protein components, termed nucleoporins, assemble in multiple copies into an intricate cylindrical architecture. Here, we review our current knowledge of the structure of nucleoporins and how those come together in situ. We delineate architectural principles on several hierarchical organization levels, including isoforms, posttranslational modifications, nucleoporins, and higher-order oligomerization of nucleoporin subcomplexes. We discuss how cells exploit this modularity to faithfully assemble NPCs.

Keywords: NPC; NPC architecture; NPC assembly; nuclear pore complex; nuclear transport; nucleoporin.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Pore / chemistry*
  • Nuclear Pore / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / chemistry
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational

Substances

  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins