The
nucleus and cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell provide unique environments for
specialized processes. Moreover, this physical division adds a critical
level of spatial regulation to many fundamental cellular functions, from
DNA replication to translation. Both separation and communication between
these distinct compartments are vital to normal cell function. Two membrane
bilayers form a nuclear envelope that provides a barrier; nuclear pore complexes
embedded in this envelope allow for selective trafficking between the nucleus
and cytoplasm. Two main goals of the lab are to understand molecular mechanisms
that guide nucleocytoplasmic transport and to decipher the process by which
the nuclear pore and the nuclear envelope itself are disassembled in a regulated
manner at mitosis. We are also involved in a comprehensive protein partner
analysis of Nup153 to lay the groundwork for fully understanding the various
functions of this pore protein and the nuclear pore complex in general.
