Architecture of the cytoplasmic face of the nuclear pore

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the sole bidirectional gateway for nucleocytoplasmic transport. Despite recent progress in elucidating the NPC symmetric core architecture, the asymmetrically decorated cytoplasmic face, essential for messenger RNA (mRNA) export and a hotspot for nucleoporin-associated diseases, has remained elusive. Here we report a composite structure of the human cytoplasmic face obtained by combining biochemical reconstitution, crystal structure determination, docking into cryo-electron tomographic reconstructions, and physiological validation. Whereas species-specific motifs anchor an evolutionarily conserved similar to 540-kilodalton heterohexameric cytoplasmic filament nucleoporin complex above the central transport channel, attachment of the NUP358 pentameric bundles depends on the double-ring arrangement of the coat nucleoporin complex. Our composite structure and its predictive power provide a rich foundation for elucidating the molecular basis of mRNA export and nucleoporin diseases.

Automated summary

This study presents the composite structure of the human cytoplasmic face of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), revealing the asymmetric decoration and composition of the NPC. It provides a foundation for further research on mRNA export and nucleoporin diseases.