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Annulate lamellae - an underexplored cellular structure
Lizanne Oliveira1, Jomon Joseph1
1Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council - National Centre for Cell Science (BRIC-NCCS), Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India.
Journal of Cell Science
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Annulate lamellae (AL) are endoplasmic reticulum subdomains containing nucleoporins. Emerging evidence reveals AL
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Annulate lamellae (AL) are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) subdomains.
- They contain nucleoporins (Nups), proteins crucial for nuclear pore complexes (NPCs).
- AL are found across diverse cell types, including oocytes, tumor cells, and cell lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the assembly, functions, and cellular roles of annulate lamellae.
- To investigate the emerging roles of AL beyond NPC assembly and NE homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on annulate lamellae.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms for AL assembly and function.
Main Results:
- AL assembly mechanisms may vary by cell type, potentially involving the nuclear envelope (NE) or de novo Nup condensation.
- Beyond NPC assembly, AL are implicated in nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT), mRNA translation, and cytosolic processes.
- AL remodeling is linked to development, disease, and infection.
Conclusions:
- Annulate lamellae play diverse and critical roles in cellular processes.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the functions and regulation of AL.
Keywords:
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy-1Annulate lamellaeCa2+ homeostasisERMCSER–mitochondria contact siteNPCNPC-phagyNeurodegenerative diseasesNuclear pore complexNucleocytoplasmic transportNucleoporinsNupsmiRNAMore Related Videos
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