Gatekeeper

At the core of a cell is its nucleus, containing all of the cell’s genetic code. As you might expect, this blueprint for life is heavily protected by strong membrane walls. To ensure that it continues to receive key supplies from outside this barrier, the nucleus is gated by an intricate array of proteins called a nuclear pore complex. Scientists have recently mapped out how the 552 pieces of this pore fit together. The resulting almost hallucinogenic animation gives them an insight into the complex architecture of life. Like with any feat of engineering, the team found that the portal contains sturdy diagonal columns and cables to connect them, providing strength and flexibility. With this map, comes a better understanding of how a cell protects its inner workings and insight into how diseases like cancer interfere with the portal’s structure and function.

Written by Gaëlle Coullon

Gaëlle Coullon

Writer

Gaëlle is a consultant and trainer in research communication and commercialisation. As an ex-neuroscientist, she is always looking for new ways to combine her love of writing with everything brain related.

• Video from the Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University
• The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
• Image/video copyright held by the original authors
• Research published in Nature, March 2018