Integrative structure and functional anatomy of a nuclear pore complex.
Publication Title
Nature
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-22-2018
Keywords
Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry; Mass Spectrometry; Models, Molecular; Nuclear Pore/chemistry; Nuclear Pore/metabolism; Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/chemistry; Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/metabolism; Protein Stability; Protein Transport; RNA Transport; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/chemistry
Abstract
Nuclear pore complexes play central roles as gatekeepers of RNA and protein transport between the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. However, their large size and dynamic nature have impeded a full structural and functional elucidation. Here we determined the structure of the entire 552-protein nuclear pore complex of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae at sub-nanometre precision by satisfying a wide range of data relating to the molecular arrangement of its constituents. The nuclear pore complex incorporates sturdy diagonal columns and connector cables attached to these columns, imbuing the structure with strength and flexibility. These cables also tie together all other elements of the nuclear pore complex, including membrane-interacting regions, outer rings and RNA-processing platforms. Inwardly directed anchors create a high density of transport factor-docking Phe-Gly repeats in the central channel, organized into distinct functional units. This integrative structure enables us to rationalize the architecture, transport mechanism and evolutionary origins of the nuclear pore complex.
Specialty/Research Institute
Institute for Systems Biology
