Abstract
Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are supramolecular nanomachines that mediate the exchange of macromolecules and inorganic ions between the nucleus and the cytosol. Although there is no doubt that large cargo is transported through the centrally located channel, the route of ions and small molecules remains debatable. We thus tested the hypothesis that there are two separate pathways by imaging NPCs using atomic force microscopy, NPC electrical conductivity measurements, and macromolecule permeability assays. Our data indicate a spatial separation between the active transport of macromolecules through the central channel and the passive transport of ions and small macromolecules through the pore periphery.
Highlights
We tested the hypothesis that there are two separate pathways by imaging Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) using atomic force microscopy, NPC electrical conductivity measurements, and macromolecule permeability assays
We conclude that there exists in NPCs a route for inorganic ions and small solutes that is separate from the central channel
Albumin molecules reside at the cytoplasmic ring, as indicated by the apparent swelling of the NPC ring structure and the decrease in the ion permeability of the nuclear envelope
Summary
We tested the hypothesis that there are two separate pathways by imaging NPCs using atomic force microscopy, NPC electrical conductivity measurements, and macromolecule permeability assays. Our data indicate a spatial separation between the active transport of macromolecules through the central channel and the passive transport of ions and small macromolecules through the pore periphery.
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