How viruses cross the gate much traveled: Transport of viruses into the cell nucleus

Molecular trafficking between the cytoplasm and the cell nucleus occurs through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), large protein assemblies embedded in the nuclear envelope. Some viruses undertake their replication within the cell nucleus, and therefore they must deliver their genome into the nucleus of their host cells. The general understanding of how viruses enter the nucleus has been that they use the NPC and its import receptors/factors. Using high-resolution electron microscopy combined with functional assays we have found that, contrary to previous assumptions, each virus has developed its own strategy for entering the cell nucleus. Recent results from the Pante lab that unveiled new viral nuclear import strategies will be presented.