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On the attachment of the nuclear pore complex
The Journal of Cell Biology
|September 1, 1974
Summary
Rat liver nuclei treated with Triton X-100 detergent lost their nuclear envelope membranes. Nuclear pore complexes remained intact and in place, suggesting they do not require membranes for structural integrity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The nuclear envelope regulates molecular traffic between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
- Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are embedded within the nuclear envelope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural and biochemical requirements for nuclear pore complex integrity.
- To determine if nuclear pore complexes depend on the nuclear envelope for their attachment and stability.
Main Methods:
- Isolated rat liver nuclei were treated with Triton X-100 detergent.
- Morphological analysis using electron microscopy.
- Biochemical analysis of nuclear components and solubilized proteins using SDS-PAGE.
Main Results:
- Triton X-100 completely removed both inner and outer nuclear membranes.
- Envelope-denuded nuclei retained their shape and internal ultrastructure.
- Nuclear pore complexes remained in their characteristic locations.
- Over 95% of nuclear phospholipids and approximately 10% of nuclear proteins were solubilized.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear pore complexes can maintain their structural integrity and nuclear attachment without the surrounding nuclear envelope membranes.
- The nuclear envelope is not essential for the stability or localization of nuclear pore complexes.