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Ultradonut topology of the nuclear envelope.


ABSTRACT: The nuclear envelope is a unique topological structure formed by lipid membranes in eukaryotic cells. Unlike other membrane structures, the nuclear envelope comprises two concentric membrane shells fused at numerous sites with toroid-shaped pores that impart a "geometric" genus on the order of thousands. Despite the intriguing architecture and vital biological functions of the nuclear membranes, how they achieve and maintain such a unique arrangement remains unknown. Here, we used the theory of elasticity and differential geometry to analyze the equilibrium shape and stability of this structure. Our results show that modest in- and out-of-plane stresses present in the membranes not only can define the pore geometry, but also provide a mechanism for destabilizing membranes beyond a critical size and set the stage for the formation of new pores. Our results suggest a mechanism wherein nanoscale buckling instabilities can define the global topology of a nuclear envelope-like structure.

SUBMITTER: Torbati M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5056109 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Ultradonut topology of the nuclear envelope.

Torbati Mehdi M   Lele Tanmay P TP   Agrawal Ashutosh A  

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20160919 40


The nuclear envelope is a unique topological structure formed by lipid membranes in eukaryotic cells. Unlike other membrane structures, the nuclear envelope comprises two concentric membrane shells fused at numerous sites with toroid-shaped pores that impart a "geometric" genus on the order of thousands. Despite the intriguing architecture and vital biological functions of the nuclear membranes, how they achieve and maintain such a unique arrangement remains unknown. Here, we used the theory of  ...[more]

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