The molecular architecture of the plant nuclear pore complex

J Exp Bot. 2013 Feb;64(4):823-32. doi: 10.1093/jxb/ers258. Epub 2012 Sep 17.

Abstract

The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material, which directs cellular activity via gene regulation. The physical barrier of the nuclear envelope needs to be permeable to a variety of macromolecules and signals. The most prominent gateways for the transport of macromolecules are the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). The NPC is the largest multiprotein complex in the cell, and is composed of multiple copies of ~30 different proteins called nucleoporins. Although much progress has been made in dissecting the NPC structure in vertebrates and yeast, the molecular architecture and physiological function of nucleoporins in plants remain poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the plant NPC proteome and address structural and functional aspects of plant nucleoporins, which support the fundamental cellular machinery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Animals
  • Arabidopsis / anatomy & histology
  • Arabidopsis / genetics
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / genetics
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics*
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Nuclear Pore / genetics*
  • Nuclear Pore / metabolism
  • Nuclear Pore / ultrastructure
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plant Cells / metabolism
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proteome / analysis
  • Proteome / genetics
  • Proteome / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins
  • Plant Proteins
  • Proteome