Nuclear pore proteins and the control of genome functions (original) (raw)

1. Martin W. Hetzer
2. Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
3. Corresponding author: hetzer{at}salk.edu

Abstract

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are composed of several copies of ∼30 different proteins called nucleoporins (Nups). NPCs penetrate the nuclear envelope (NE) and regulate the nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of macromolecules. Beyond this vital role, NPC components influence genome functions in a transport-independent manner. Nups play an evolutionarily conserved role in gene expression regulation that, in metazoans, extends into the nuclear interior. Additionally, in proliferative cells, Nups play a crucial role in genome integrity maintenance and mitotic progression. Here we discuss genome-related functions of Nups and their impact on essential DNA metabolism processes such as transcription, chromosome duplication, and segregation.

• nuclear genome
• nuclear envelope
• nuclear pore complex
• nucleoporin
• transcription control
• mitosis
• DNA damage
• © 2015 Ibarra and Hetzer; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

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