Imagine the cell’s nucleus as a bank vault protected by a highly sophisticated security system: the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Only proteins carrying the correct “key” – specialized transport factors – are granted exclusive access. This selective control over what enters and exits the nucleus is essential for ensuring proper communication between the genome protected inside it and the cellular machinery outside.
The animation shows a model of the nuclear pore complex transport barrier. Tethered within the pore are highly dynamic protein threads termed FG Nups (green). Under living conditions, cargo-carrying transport factors (pink) interact with the FG Nups, loosely forming a central plug that helps organize a dynamic transport barrier. Selective transport may proceed preferentially through the surrounding region. For clarity, cargoes are omitted and FG-Nup density is reduced. (Animation: Enrique Sahagun, Scixel)
Publication: Karyopherins remodel the dynamic organization of the nuclear pore complex transport barrier
