GO:0044615 nuclear pore nuclear basket: Components, Assembly and Research Methods, Genes, Functions and Research Methods
Research-grade guide for scientists and biopharma professionals
Key Takeaways
• GO:0044615 (nuclear pore nuclear basket) is a filamentous, cage-like assembly on the nuclear face of the nuclear pore complex (NPC).
• In S. cerevisiae, Mlp1p and Mlp2p are major basket components; in vertebrates, Tpr is the major component.
• The basket is built from coiled-coil scaffold proteins that form a membrane-anchored platform and flexible filaments.
• Basket proteins regulate NPC distribution and mobility in budding yeast.
• The basket is a hub for mRNA export surveillance and quality control.
• CRISPR knockout, knock-in, and overexpression models enable causal testing of basket gene function.
Description
The nuclear pore nuclear basket (GO:0044615) is a specialized structure that extends from the nuclear face of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) into the nucleoplasm. It is defined as a filamentous, cage-like assembly on the nuclear face of the NPC; in S. cerevisiae, Mlp1p and Mlp2p are two major components, while in vertebrates, Tpr is a major component. This basket-like structure is conserved across eukaryotes and serves as a platform for mRNA export and quality control. Understanding its composition and assembly is essential for dissecting nucleocytoplasmic transport and gene regulation. Recent structural and functional studies have revealed that the basket is not a static appendage but a dynamic, modular scaffold that can be remodeled during processes such as meiosis. Researchers studying nuclear pore nuclear basket components often need to determine whether a candidate gene is causally involved in basket assembly, cargo selection, or NPC distribution. This article integrates authoritative GO annotation with verified literature to provide a research-grade overview of the nuclear pore nuclear basket, its genes, functions, and experimental models.
nuclear pore nuclear basket At A Glance
| GO ID | GO:0044615 |
|---|---|
| GO term | nuclear pore nuclear basket |
| Ontology | cellular_component |
| Synonym | none |
| Major function | Filamentous, cage-like assembly on the nuclear face of the NPC; involved in mRNA export and NPC organization |
| Major components (S. cerevisiae) | Mlp1p, Mlp2p |
| Major component (vertebrates) | Tpr |
| Related processes | mRNA export, NPC distribution and mobility, meiotic NPC remodeling |
What Is GO:0044615?
The nuclear pore nuclear basket (GO:0044615) is a filamentous, cage-like assembly located on the nuclear face of the nuclear pore complex (NPC). In S. cerevisiae, Mlp1p and Mlp2p are two major components of the NPC nuclear basket. In vertebrates, Tpr is a major component. This structure is part of the cellular component ontology and is involved in mRNA export and NPC organization.
Why Is nuclear pore nuclear basket Important in Cell Biology?
The nuclear pore nuclear basket is critical for nucleocytoplasmic transport and gene expression because it serves as the first docking site for export-competent mRNPs and a quality-control checkpoint. Its components regulate NPC distribution and mobility, influencing nuclear architecture and genome organization. Structural studies have revealed that the basket is a modular, membrane-anchored scaffold that can be remodeled during development and meiosis. Dysregulation of basket proteins has been linked to cancer and developmental defects, making it a target for functional genomics and drug discovery.
• The basket is a hub for mRNA export surveillance and quality control.
• Basket proteins regulate the distribution and mobility of nuclear pore complexes in budding yeast.
• The basket is remodeled during meiosis, providing insights into NPC organization.
• Structural studies show the basket is a membrane-anchored scaffold with flexible filaments.
• Basket components are conserved from yeast to humans, enabling model organism studies.
• Alterations in basket proteins are associated with cancer and developmental disorders.
• The basket interacts with chromatin and gene regulatory machinery.
• CRISPR screens can identify novel basket regulators and cargo adaptors.
• The basket is a potential target for antiviral and anticancer therapies.
• Understanding basket assembly informs synthetic biology and nuclear engineering.
Core Biology of the Nuclear Pore Nuclear Basket
Basket Assembly and Anchoring
In simple terms: The basket is built like a cage attached to the nuclear pore, starting from a membrane anchor and extending filaments into the nucleus.
The nuclear basket is assembled from coiled-coil scaffold proteins that form a membrane-anchored platform on the nuclear face of the NPC. In S. cerevisiae, Mlp1p and Mlp2p are the major components, while in vertebrates, Tpr is the major component. The assembly principle involves a membrane-anchored scaffold that docks onto the core NPC and extends flexible filaments into the nucleoplasm. Recent structural work has revealed that the basket is a modular structure that can be remodeled during meiosis.
mRNA Export and Quality Control
In simple terms: The basket acts as a checkpoint where mRNA molecules are inspected before they leave the nucleus.
The nuclear basket is a hub for mRNA export and quality control. Export-competent mRNPs dock at the basket before translocating through the NPC. Basket proteins such as Mlp1p and Tpr are involved in surveillance mechanisms that prevent the export of aberrant mRNAs. This quality-control function is essential for maintaining transcriptome integrity.
NPC Distribution and Mobility
In simple terms: Basket proteins help decide where nuclear pores are located and how they move within the nuclear envelope.
Nuclear basket proteins regulate the distribution and mobility of nuclear pore complexes in budding yeast. Loss of basket components alters NPC clustering and dynamics. This regulation is important for nuclear architecture and genome organization.
Meiotic Remodeling
In simple terms: During meiosis, the basket changes its structure to support specialized nuclear functions.
Meiotic nuclear pore complex remodeling provides key insights into nuclear basket organization. The basket undergoes structural changes during meiosis, which are important for meiotic progression. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of the basket.
Molecular Interactions and Regulation
In simple terms: The basket interacts with many proteins and is regulated by phosphorylation and other modifications.
The basket interacts with nucleoporins, export factors, and chromatin-associated proteins. Its assembly and function are regulated by post-translational modifications and cell cycle signals. The modularity of the basket allows for dynamic regulation of NPC functions.
Key Genes Involved in GO:0044615 nuclear pore nuclear basket
The following genes and proteins are major components or regulators of the nuclear pore nuclear basket, based on verified literature.
| Gene | Major Role | Research Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| MLP1 (S. cerevisiae) | Major component of the NPC nuclear basket | Studies of basket assembly and mRNA export |
| MLP2 (S. cerevisiae) | Major component of the NPC nuclear basket | Studies of basket assembly and NPC distribution |
| TPR (human) | Major component of the vertebrate nuclear basket | Studies of mRNA export and cancer |
| NUP60 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin involved in basket anchoring | Studies of basket assembly |
| NUP1 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin involved in basket anchoring | Studies of basket assembly |
| NUP2 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin involved in basket function | Studies of mRNA export |
| NUP49 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the NPC core | Studies of NPC structure |
| NUP57 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the NPC core | Studies of NPC structure |
| NUP82 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the cytoplasmic filaments | Studies of NPC structure |
| NUP159 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the cytoplasmic filaments | Studies of mRNA export |
| NUP42 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the cytoplasmic filaments | Studies of mRNA export |
| NUP116 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the NPC core | Studies of NPC structure |
| NUP100 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the NPC core | Studies of NPC structure |
| NUP145 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the NPC core | Studies of NPC structure |
| NUP188 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the NPC core | Studies of NPC structure |
| NUP192 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the NPC core | Studies of NPC structure |
| NIC96 (S. cerevisiae) | Nucleoporin of the NPC core | Studies of NPC structure |
How Is nuclear pore nuclear basket Regulated?
The nuclear pore nuclear basket is regulated at multiple levels. Its assembly and disassembly are cell-cycle dependent, with remodeling during mitosis and meiosis. Post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, regulate basket protein interactions and NPC distribution. The basket is also subject to quality-control pathways that monitor its integrity and function.
nuclear pore nuclear basket and Human Disease
| Gene | Disease / Biology | Potential Experimental Model |
|---|---|---|
| TPR | Cancer, mRNA export dysregulation | Knockout and overexpression in cancer cell lines |
| MLP1 | NPC distribution defects | Yeast knockout and knock-in |
| MLP2 | NPC distribution defects | Yeast knockout and knock-in |
| NUP60 | Basket assembly defects | Yeast knockout and tagged knock-in |
| NUP1 | Basket assembly defects | Yeast knockout and tagged knock-in |
Cancer
Alterations in nuclear basket components such as Tpr have been observed in various cancers, where they can affect mRNA export and cell proliferation. Dysregulation of NPC components is linked to tumorigenesis and metastasis.
Neurodegeneration
Defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport, including basket function, are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Basket proteins may contribute to disease pathology by disrupting mRNA export.
Developmental Disorders
Mutations in NPC components, including basket-associated proteins, can cause developmental disorders such as nuclear pore complex-related diseases. These conditions highlight the importance of basket function in tissue development.
From nuclear pore nuclear basket-Related Genes to Experimental Models
| Research Question | Suitable Model |
|---|---|
| Does loss of MLP1 affect NPC distribution? | MLP1 knockout in S. cerevisiae |
| Does TPR mutation alter mRNA export? | TPR point mutation in human cells |
| Where does Tpr localize in the basket? | TPR knock-in with fluorescent tag |
| Does overexpression of Mlp1p alter basket structure? | MLP1 overexpression in yeast |
| Does NUP60 deletion disrupt basket anchoring? | NUP60 knockout in yeast |
| Does meiotic remodeling require basket proteins? | Meiotic time-course in yeast |
How to Study the nuclear pore nuclear basket Process
| Method | What It Measures | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Fluorescence microscopy | Localization and dynamics of basket proteins | Visualizing NPC distribution |
| Affinity purification-mass spectrometry | Protein-protein interactions | Identifying basket components |
| RNA-seq | Transcript levels and export | Measuring mRNA export defects |
| Single-molecule FISH | mRNA localization | Quantifying nuclear export |
| Cryo-electron tomography | 3D structure of the basket | Structural analysis |
| Proximity labeling | Interactome mapping | Identifying basket-associated proteins |
| Live-cell imaging | Dynamic behavior of NPCs | Studying NPC mobility |
Fluorescence Microscopy
Fluorescence microscopy, including super-resolution and live-cell imaging, is used to visualize the nuclear basket and NPC distribution. Tagged basket proteins such as GFP-Tpr or GFP-Mlp1p allow dynamic tracking.
Proteomics and Interactomics
Affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry identifies basket protein interactions and composition. Proximity labeling can map the basket interactome.
RNA Export Assays
RNA export assays, such as single-molecule FISH and RNA-seq of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions, measure mRNA export efficiency upon basket perturbation.
Structural Biology
Cryo-electron tomography and crystallography reveal the architecture of the basket and its assembly. These methods provide mechanistic insights into basket function.
How CRISPR Can Be Used to Study GO:0044615 nuclear pore nuclear basket
Knockout
CRISPR knockout of basket genes such as MLP1, MLP2, or TPR enables loss-of-function studies to assess their role in NPC distribution, mRNA export, and cell viability. Knockout cell lines can be validated by sequencing and western blotting.
Point Mutation
CRISPR point mutation introduces specific amino acid changes to dissect domain functions of basket proteins, such as coiled-coil or membrane-anchoring domains. This approach reveals structure-function relationships.
Knock-in
CRISPR knock-in of fluorescent or epitope tags into endogenous basket genes allows real-time imaging and biochemical analysis of the basket. Tagged knock-in models preserve native regulation.
Overexpression
CRISPR overexpression of basket proteins can test gain-of-function effects on NPC assembly and mRNA export. Overexpression models are useful for studying basket protein dosage.
How EDITGENE Supports nuclear pore nuclear basket Research
Researchers studying nuclear pore nuclear basket-related genes often need to determine whether a candidate gene is causally involved in basket assembly, mRNA export, or NPC distribution. EDITGENE provides CRISPR-based cell models and screening services to accelerate this functional validation.
Contact EDITGENE today to design your custom CRISPR model for nuclear pore nuclear basket research.
Frequently Asked Questions About nuclear pore nuclear basket
What is the nuclear pore nuclear basket?
The nuclear pore nuclear basket (GO:0044615) is a filamentous, cage-like assembly on the nuclear face of the nuclear pore complex, involved in mRNA export and NPC organization.
What genes are involved in the nuclear pore nuclear basket?
Major genes include MLP1 and MLP2 in S. cerevisiae, and TPR in vertebrates.
What is the function of the nuclear basket?
It serves as a docking site for export-competent mRNPs and a quality-control checkpoint, and regulates NPC distribution and mobility.
Where is the nuclear basket located?
It is located on the nuclear face of the nuclear pore complex, extending into the nucleoplasm.
What is Tpr?
Tpr is the major component of the vertebrate nuclear basket, involved in mRNA export and NPC organization.
What are Mlp1p and Mlp2p?
Mlp1p and Mlp2p are the major components of the nuclear basket in S. cerevisiae.
How is the nuclear basket assembled?
It is assembled from coiled-coil scaffold proteins that form a membrane-anchored platform and flexible filaments.
Does the nuclear basket change during meiosis?
Yes, meiotic nuclear pore complex remodeling provides insights into nuclear basket organization.
What diseases are linked to nuclear basket proteins?
Alterations in basket proteins such as Tpr are associated with cancer and neurodegeneration.
How can I study the nuclear basket with CRISPR?
CRISPR knockout, point mutation, knock-in, and overexpression models enable functional studies of basket genes.
Conclusion
The nuclear pore nuclear basket (GO:0044615) is a dynamic, modular structure essential for mRNA export, NPC distribution, and nuclear organization. Its major components, including Mlp1p, Mlp2p, and Tpr, are conserved and functionally important. CRISPR-based models provide powerful tools to dissect basket gene function and their roles in disease. EDITGENE offers comprehensive services to support nuclear basket research.
References
- 1. Ashkenazy-Titelman A et al.. 2020. Into the basket and beyond: the journey of mRNA through the nuclear pore complex.. Biochem J 477(1):23-44 PMID: 31913454
- 2. Petrovic S et al.. 2026. Structure, function and assembly of nuclear pore complexes.. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 27(1):35-54 PMID: 40926106
- 3. Singh D et al.. 2024. The molecular architecture of the nuclear basket.. Cell 187(19):5267-5281.e13 PMID: 39127037
- 4. King GA et al.. 2023. Meiotic nuclear pore complex remodeling provides key insights into nuclear basket organization.. J Cell Biol 222(2) PMID: 36515990
- 5. Dultz E et al.. 2025. Opening the gate: Complexity and modularity of the nuclear pore scaffold and basket.. Curr Opin Cell Biol 92:102461 PMID: 39826239
- 6. Stankunas E et al.. 2024. Docking a flexible basket onto the core of the nuclear pore complex.. Nat Cell Biol 26(9):1504-1519 PMID: 39138317
- 7. Zsok J et al.. 2024. Nuclear basket proteins regulate the distribution and mobility of nuclear pore complexes in budding yeast.. Mol Biol Cell 35(11):ar143 PMID: 39320946
- 8. Cibulka J et al.. 2022. Assembly principle of a membrane-anchored nuclear pore basket scaffold.. Sci Adv 8(6):eabl6863 PMID: 35148185
