[Structural organization, functions and dynamics of nuclear pores]

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Context:

• Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are crucial gateways for molecular transport between the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells.
• Understanding NPC structure and function is fundamental to comprehending cellular regulation and processes.

Purpose:

• To provide a comprehensive summary of the morphological and biochemical characteristics of nuclear pore complexes.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing nuclear import and export pathways.
• To describe the regulatory factors and sequential steps involved in nuclear pore assembly.

Summary:

• The review synthesizes current knowledge on the structure and function of NPCs across diverse eukaryotic organisms.
• It details the molecular players and processes involved in the regulated transport of molecules through NPCs.
• Emphasis is placed on the in vitro and in vivo assembly pathways of nuclear pores.

Impact:

• This review offers a foundational resource for researchers studying nuclear transport and cellular organization.
• It highlights key areas for future research in nuclear pore complex biology and disease mechanisms.