Toward the atomic structure of the nuclear pore complex: when top down meets bottom up
Elucidating the structure of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a prerequisite for understanding the molecular mechanism of nucleocytoplasmic transport. However, owing to its sheer size and flexibility, the NPC is unapproachable by classical structure determination techniques and requires a joint effort of complementary methods. Whereas bottom up approaches rely on biochemical interaction studies and crystal structure determination of NPC components, top down approaches attempt to determine the structure of the intact NPC in situ. Recently, both approaches have converged, thereby bridging the resolution gap from the higher order scaffold structure to near atomic resolution and opening the door for structure guided experimental interrogations of NPC function.
Nature Structural &Molecular Biology