Biology

Prof. Krishnaveni Mishra
University of Hyderabad

Nucleus consists of a double membrane that is perforated with nuclear pore complexes, which facilitate the exchange of molecules between nucleus and cytoplasm.  The outer and inner membrane contain several integral and peripherally associated proteins that participate in multiple functions of the cell including chromatin association, gene expression, spindle assembly, RNA metabolism. Many of these proteins are also involved in maintaining the shape and rigidity of the nucleus. Despite our growing knowledge of the importance of nuclear membrane proteins in nuclear transactions and cytoplasmic communication, a clear understanding of all the key components of the nuclear membrane and how they are organized in the nuclear membrane is lacking. In this study we have first taken a sequence comparison approach to identify the basic components of the nuclear membrane that are conserved across the eukaryotic kingdom in an attempt to define the basal requirements for a functional NE. Through this study, we have identified several proteins that are S. cerevisiae specific and others that are conserved across the fungal kingdom and several that are conserved in all eukaryotes giving us a picture of the evolving nuclear proteome. In a parallel experimental screen for nuclear shape/organization defects in S. cerevisiae, we have identified novel proteins pathways that are involved in the organization and biogenesis of the nuclear pore complexes. The talk will give an overview of our attempts to understand the structural basis of NE organization.