Summary
The nuclear envelope (NE) is a physical barrier between the cytoplasm and the nucleus that is essential for the survival and function of eukaryotic cells. The NE has a complex geometry, consisting of two lipid membranes fused at hundreds of donut-shaped pores and maintained at a stable distance from each other. How the NE’s complex geometry enables its critical functions is not understood. Prior work suggests that double-layered membrane geometries have unexpected mechanical properties that are not found in manufactured materials. This award supports studies to develop new fundamental insight
