Molecular trafficking across the nuclear pore complex.

The nuclear pore complex is the gateway for protein and RNA transport between the cytoplasm and nucleus. Recent work has characterized signals and components involved in nuclear import of macromolecules and has described mechanisms for transport regulation. Advances in understanding the structure of the pore complex are starting to provide a framework for interpreting the biochemistry of nuclear import. Information on the export of RNA from the nucleus is only beginning to emerge.