The nuclear pore complex and lamina: Three-dimensional structures and interactions determined by field emission in-lens scanning electron microscopy

Three dimensional surface imaging was used to examine structural details of the nuclear pore complex. Subsurface structures were uncovered by detergent extraction, proteolysis, mechanical; fracturing and combinations of these. Features observed in this way were mostly consistent with previous three-dimensional structures with some novel observations. In addition to cytoplasmic and basket filaments attached to each coaxial ring, we have observed radiating filaments within the central channel. New details of basket organisation are presented, showing that basket filaments branch and are woven together to form the basket ring. The ''central transporter'' is shown to a be a regular, consistent structure revealed after removal of overlying internal filaments. The lumenal ring is visualised and we present evidence that the lamina may be attached to the spoke ring complex. Finally we show that there is evidence for a novel structure, the ''star ring'', sandwiched between the cytoplasmic ring and the membrane. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited