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Related Concept Videos

Nuclear Protein Sorting

Nuclear Protein Sorting

Nuclear protein sorting is the selective trafficking of histones, polymerases, gene regulatory proteins into the nucleus and exporting RNAs and ribosomes to the cytosol. It is a tightly controlled process that regulates gene expression within a cell.
Proteins targeted to the nucleus carry nuclear localization signals or NLS recognized by import receptors in the cytosol. Similarly, proteins with nuclear export signals are recognized by export receptors. Import and export receptors are...

Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting

Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting

Nuclear protein sorting regulates nucleus composition and gene expression, crucial for determining the fate of a eukaryotic cell. Hence, the entry and exit of molecules across the nuclear envelope is a tightly controlled process. Nuclear protein sorting can be inhibited by one of the following ways: 1) masking cargo signal sequences, 2) modifying the nuclear receptor's affinity for cargo, 3) controlling the nuclear pore size, 4) retaining the cargo during its transit to the cytosol or the...

Nuclear Export of mRNA

Nuclear Export of mRNA

Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...

Nuclear Export of mRNA

Nuclear Export of mRNA

Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...

Nuclear Export

Nuclear Export

The nucleus restricts several proteins within and allows others to pass. The restricted proteins possess a nuclear retention sequence or NRS, anchoring them to the nuclear lamins and preventing their transport to the cytosol. The non-restricted proteins, after their synthesis, are transported to their site of action, such as the cytosol or other organelles, with the help of nuclear export signals or NES.
NES are of three types- the canonical 10-residue long leucine-rich signal and other...

Nuclear Localization Signals and Import

Nuclear Localization Signals and Import

Proteins targeted to the nucleus carry short stretches of amino acid sequences called the nuclear localization signal or NLS. Classical nuclear localization signals are of two types: monopartite and bipartite NLS. Monopartite classical NLS (cNLS) consists of a single cluster of 4-8 amino acids. Bipartite cNLS consists of two clusters of 2-3 amino acids and a 9-12 residue long proline-rich linker bridging the two clusters. Signal clusters are rich in positively charged amino acids such as...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Single-Molecule Imaging of Nuclear Transport

Single-Molecule Imaging of Nuclear Transport

Published on: June 9, 2010

The nuclear pore complex and nuclear transport.

Susan R Wente¹, Michael P Rout

¹Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA. susan.wente@vanderbilt.edu

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology

|July 16, 2010

Summary

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a vital gatekeeper within the nuclear envelope, regulating transport between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Its complex structure ensures selective passage of molecules, maintaining cellular function.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Single-Molecule Imaging of Nuclear Transport

Single-Molecule Imaging of Nuclear Transport

Published on: June 9, 2010

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles, with the nucleus housing genetic material.
The nuclear envelope (NE) surrounds the nucleus, regulating molecular traffic via nuclear pore complexes (NPCs).
NPCs are crucial for selective, bidirectional transport of molecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the complex structure and multifaceted functions of the nuclear pore complex (NPC).
To understand how NPCs mediate selective transport while allowing free diffusion of small molecules.
To highlight the NPC's role in regulating nuclear processes and maintaining nuclear envelope integrity.

Main Methods:

This abstract focuses on the structural and functional aspects of NPCs, implying observational and analytical biological research methods.
Analysis of NPC structure and its interaction with transport cargoes.
Investigation of NPC's role in gene regulation and cell cycle control.

Main Results:

NPCs act as highly selective, bidirectional transporters for proteins and ribonucleoproteins.
NPCs prevent the nonspecific passage of macromolecules but permit free diffusion of small molecules like water, sugars, and ions.
NPCs are involved in regulating nuclear transport, binding proteins that modulate cargo passage, and anchoring nuclear processes.

Conclusions:

The NPC is a complex and integral component of the nuclear envelope, essential for eukaryotic cellular function.
NPCs play a critical role in maintaining nuclear integrity, regulating gene expression, and controlling the cell cycle.
The intricate design of NPCs underscores their importance in fundamental cellular processes.