The nuclear envelope is a membrane system which surrounds the nucleoplasm of eukaryotic cells. It is composed of the nuclear lamina, nuclear pore complexes and two nuclear membranes. The space between the two membranes is called the nuclear intermembrane space.
The nuclear pore complex (NPC) constitutes the exclusive means of nucleocytoplasmic transport. NPCs allow the passive diffusion of ions and small molecules and the active bidirectional transport of macromolecules such as proteins, RNAs etc across the double-membrane nuclear envelope.The NPC is composed of at least 30 distinct subunits known as Nucleoporins (NUPs).
Nephrotic syndrome 18 (NPHS18) [MIM:618177]: A form of nephrotic syndrome, a renal disease clinically characterized by severe proteinuria, resulting in complications such as hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia and edema. Kidney biopsies show non-specific histologic changes such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and diffuse mesangial proliferation. Some affected individuals have an inherited steroid-resistant form that progresses to end-stage renal failure. NPHS18 is an autosomal recessive, steroid-resistant progressive form with onset in the first decade of life. {Experimental EvidencePubMed:30179222}. Note=The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Galloway-Mowat syndrome 8 (GAMOS8) [MIM:618349]: A form of Galloway-Mowat syndrome, a severe renal-neurological disease characterized by early-onset nephrotic syndrome associated with microcephaly, central nervous system abnormalities, developmental delays, and a propensity for seizures. Brain anomalies include gyration defects ranging from lissencephaly to pachygyria and polymicrogyria, and cerebellar hypoplasia. Most patients show facial dysmorphism characterized by a small, narrow forehead, large/floppy ears, deep-set eyes, hypertelorism and micrognathia. Additional variable features are visual impairment and arachnodactyly. Most patients die in early childhood. GAMOS8 inheritance is autosomal recessive. {Experimental EvidencePubMed:30427554}. Note=The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Department of Biology
Biophysics & Bioinformatics Laboratory