Nuclear pore complex in genome organization and gene expression in yeast

Abstract

The nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are large, evolutionarily conserved multiprotein channels embedded in the nuclear envelope of all eukaryotes cells. NPCs mediate macromolecular import and export from the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm by an active signal-dependent process. Recent research indicates that the NPCs play many additional roles in gene function and spatial organization of the genome. This chapter highlights our current understanding of NPC in genomerelated functions in budding yeast. In yeast, Nups physically interact with a large number of highly expressed genes and active inducible genes. The repositioning of inducible genes to the NPCs leads to stronger expression and is regulated through multiple regulatory strategies including cell cycle regulated phosphorylation of Nup1. Many inactive or poised genes also interact with Nups. The interaction of recently repressed GAL1 and INO1 with the NPC is necessary for transcriptional memory. Retention at the NPC for these genes lead to an altered chromatin structure that primes them for rapid transcriptional reactivation. Thus, interactions with the NPC influences the spatial organization of the genome and impacts transcription.