Quantitative analysis of nuclear pore complex organization in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The number, distribution, and composition of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) in the nuclear envelope varies between cell types and changes during cellular differentiation and in disease. To understand how NPC density and organization are controlled, we analyzed the NPC number and distribution in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe using structured illumination microscopy. The small size of yeast nuclei, genetic features of fungi, and our robust image analysis pipeline allowed us to study NPCs in intact nuclei under multiple conditions. Our data revealed that NPC density is maintained across a wide range of nuclear sizes. Regions of reduced NPC density are observed over the nucleolus and surrounding the spindle pole body (SPB). Lem2-mediated tethering of the centromeres to the SPB is required to maintain NPC exclusion near SPB5. These findings provide a quantitative understanding of NPC number and distribution in S. pombe and show that interactions between the centromere and the nuclear envelope influences local NPC distribution.

Automated summary

The number and distribution of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) in the nuclear envelope vary between cell types and change in cellular differentiation and disease. In this study, the researchers used structured illumination microscopy to analyze the NPC number and distribution in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. They found that NPC density is maintained across a wide range of nuclear sizes, and regions of reduced NPC density are observed over the nucleolus and surrounding the spindle pole body (SPB). They also discovered that Lem2-mediated tethering of the centromeres to the SPB is required to maintain NPC exclusion near SPB.