Work

The nuclear pore complex as a spatial organizing hub for high-risk DNA lesions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is best known for nucleocytoplasmic transport, but growing evidence implicates nucleoporins and NPC-associated environments in genome maintenance. Here, we discuss the NPC as a spatial organizer of hazardous DNA lesions rather than a passive transport channel. Three functions recur across systems. First, NPC-associated environments can quarantine lesions arising in repetitive DNA, heterochromatin, dysfunctional telomeres, and other high-risk chromatin contexts. Second, nuclear pore association can influence recombination and repair pathway choice. Third, mobile off-pore nucleoporins may act directly at damaged chromatin to stabilize repair-associated chromatin states and restrain harmful RNA-containing intermediates. We distinguish direct mechanistic insight from evidence based on spatial association or genetic perturbation and highlight unresolved questions about NPC heterogeneity, lesion mobility, and protective versus mutagenic repair. This view positions nucleoporins as conditional regulators of genome stability.

Source: Nucleus

DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2026.2709897

Authors: Dante DeAscanis, Boeun Nam, Hongseon Song, Younghoon Kee

Institutions: University of South Florida, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Nuclear Structure and Function

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,993