Nup153

Nup153 is one of about 30 proteins that comprise the nuclear pore complex (NPC). These proteins (termed nucleoporins or Nups) form an eight-fold symmetrical structure, with each protein present in copies of at least 8 or multiples thereof, ultimately creating a macromolecular assembly of approximately 60 MDa in vertebrates. The NPC provides a selective channel for transport of protein and ribonucleoprotein between the cytoplasm and nucleus. Nup153 is located on the nuclear face of the NPC and has roles in trafficking as well as in creating certain architectural features of the nuclear pore. Additional roles for Nup153 have emerged more recently, such as facilitating the process of nuclear disassembly at mitosis. Other nucleoporins studied to date have distinct functions but often share certain properties with Nup153. Overall, the building blocks of the nuclear pore are multifunctional, modular proteins.