NNF1 is an essential yeast gene required for proper spindle orientation, nucleolar and nuclear envelope structure and mRNA export.

The nuclear envelope is central to nuclear structure and function. It plays a role in maintaining nuclear shape, allowing the exchange of macromolecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm (via the nuclear pore complexes), and providing attachment sites for microtubules during chromosome segregation and nuclear migration (via the spindle pole body). We have isolated an essential yeast gene, NNF1 that is required for a number of nuclear functions. Cells depleted of Nnf1p or containing a temperature-sensitive nnf1 mutation have elongated microtubules and become bi- and multinucleate. They also have a fragmented nucleolous and accumulate poly(A)+ RNA inside the nucleus. A similar constellation of phenotypes has been reported in cells carrying mutations in a number of nuclear pore proteins, components of the Ran GTPase cycle, and the nuclear localization sequence receptor protein. Our results suggest that Nnf1p plays a role in a number of nuclear functions.