Flexible gates: dynamic topologies and functions for FG nucleoporins in nucleocytoplasmic transport.
The nuclear envelope is a physical barrier between the nucleus and cytoplasm and, as such, separates the mechanisms of transcription from translation. This compartmentalization of eukaryotic cells allows spatial regulation of gene expression; however, it also necessitates a mechanism for transport between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Macromolecular trafficking of protein and RNA occurs exclusively through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), specialized channels spanning the nuclear envelope. A novel family of NPC proteins, the FG-nucleoporins (FG-Nups), coordinates and potentially regulates NPC translocation. The extensive repeats of phenylalanine-glycine (FG) in each FG-Nup directly bind to shuttling transport receptors moving through the NPC. In addition, FG-Nups are essential components of the nuclear permeability barrier. In this review, we discuss the structural features, cellular functions, and evolutionary conservation of the FG-Nups.
Terry
Laura J
LJ
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-8240, USA.
Wente
Susan R
SR
D021581:Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D017124:Conserved Sequence; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D028861:Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D020449:Repetitive Sequences, Amino Acid
D028861:Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins