Modelling the nucleocytoplasmic transport cycle

In eukaryotic cells, genetic material is stored in a specialized compartment — the nucleus — while other cellular material is mostly found in the surrounding cytoplasm. The selective exchange of materials between the nucleus and cytoplasm, known as nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT), is vital to many important cellular processes including gene regulation and protein synthesis. NCT occurs through conduits connecting the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments known as nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) and is regulated by reaction networks of molecular compounds which produce coupled nuclear import and export cycles. Understanding the NCT cycle has important applications for identifying potential treatments in diseases implicating NCT such as certain cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, and for controlling artificial nano-scale filters and transporters inspired by the NPC. The goal of this project is to characterize the dynamics of the NCT cycle through combined theoretical and experimental approaches, which allow us to directly integrate model development with experimental validation. By advancing our ability to predict and control NCT, the outcomes of this project will enable future innovations in drug discovery and nanotechnology.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anton Zilman

Student:

Partner:

University of Basel

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Biotechnology; Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Nanotechnology

University:

University of Toronto

Program: