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).
Achalasia-addisonianism-alacrima syndrome (AAAS) [MIM:231550]: An autosomal recessive disorder characterized by adreno-corticotropic hormone (ACTH)-resistant adrenal failure, achalasia of the esophageal cardia and alacrima. The syndrome is associated with variable and progressive neurological impairment involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system. Other features such as palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, short stature, facial dysmorphy and osteoporosis may also be present. {Experimental EvidencePubMed:11159947}. 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