Structural analysis of the nuclear pore complex by integrated approaches

In eukaryotic cells, the nucleus is surrounded by a double membrane system, the nuclear envelope (NE), in which the outer membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) fuse the inner and outer nuclear membranes to form aqueous translocation channels that allow the free diffusion of small molecules and ions, as well as receptor-mediated transport of large macromolecules. Being the sole gateways for import and export to and from the nucleus, NPCs regulate the nucleocytoplasmic transport of macromolecules in a highly selective manner to maintain cellular functions. The large size and complexity of these multimolecular assemblies, which are composed of approximately 30 different proteins (termed nucleoporins), present a major challenge for structural biologists. Here, we discuss the latest structural findings related to the functional organization of the NPC.