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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
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Mapping Absolute DNA Density in Cell Nuclei using Single-molecule Localization Microscopy
Published on: November 11, 2025
Chromatin-bound nuclear pore components regulate gene expression in higher eukaryotes.
Maya Capelson1, Yun Liang, Roberta Schulte
1Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Cell
|February 11, 2010
Summary
Nuclear pore complex proteins Sec13 and Nup98 regulate gene expression in fruit flies. Knockdown inhibits gene transcription and reactivation, highlighting their role in multicellular gene programs.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are known to influence gene activation.
- The role of NPCs in metazoan transcription regulation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of specific nucleoporins in metazoan gene regulation.
- To determine the functional significance of NPC components in transcription.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide binding analysis of nucleoporins Sec13, Nup98, Nup88, and FG-repeat nucleoporins in Drosophila.
- RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of Sec13 and Nup98.
- Assessment of gene transcription and reactivation after heat shock.
Main Results:
- Sec13, Nup98, and FG-repeat nucleoporins bind to distinct genomic loci, often not at the nuclear envelope.
- Nup88 localizes to silent loci, while Sec13, Nup98, and some FG-repeat nucleoporins associate with transcriptionally active genes.
- Knockdown of intranuclear Sec13 and Nup98 inhibits target gene transcription and prevents reactivation after heat shock.
Conclusions:
- Intranuclear nucleoporins Sec13 and Nup98 are essential for regulating gene expression programs in multicellular organisms.
- NPC components play a critical role beyond nuclear transport, influencing complex gene expression dynamics.
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