New Technology Applied to Studdying Nuclear Pores

Scientist have recently begun putting a new technology to use to study the micro-physiology of our cells.  With the aide of an atomic force microscope (AFM), researchers from Basel University have been able to observe the nuclear pores that control traffic through the nucleus of a cell.  The most notable discovery from this research was the ability of these pores to prevent unwanted chemicals from entering the cell.  This was observed via microscopic tentacles that monitor movement in and out of the nucleus.  The AFM does not work like any regular microscope.  This machine uses a fine-tipped feeler to sense the environment in which it has been emmersed.  This method and information could prove incredibly useful for the study of carcinogens and how they enter the nucleus.

How Our Bodies Keep Unwanted Visitors Out of Cell Nuclei

     Inside of each cell in the human body is a singular nucleus that contains the DNA of that person. In order to keep this DNA protected, the nuclear membrane surrounds the nucleus and keeps unwanted material on the outside. However, molecules that are vital for the nucleus to function are able to pass through the membrane, whereas others are unable to. This is because of the selective permeability of the nuclear membrane, due to the nuclear pores that line its surface. These pores are able to filter substances based on either physical properties such as size or chemical properties like polarity.

     Through the use of atomic force microscopy, in which a small needle is run over substance in order to measure its shape and hardness, the nuclear pores of frog eggs were examined. This method allows for an extremely accurate map of a subject that is too small for optical microscopy to be used. Using this method, it was determined that the proteins that exist in the center of the pores tangle over each other to form a barrier. Due to this, smaller molecules are able to easily fit through these pores through passive diffusion and reach the inside of the nucleus. However, larger molecules such as messenger RNA require a chaperone molecule in order to pass through the barrier. The chaperone molecules are able to lubricate the barrier inside of the pores and allow these larger molecules to fit through.

     I find this article to be interesting because it shows that there is still much to learn about the cell even though it has been extensively studied already. However, as technology becomes more advanced, these minute yet important details about the cell will continue to be discovered and studied. Research like this is crucial because it can also lead to the development of new antiviral drugs or better delivery mechanisms for gene therapy.

Source: How Our Bodies Keep Unwanted Visitors Out of Cell Nuclei