Channel width modulates the permeability of DNA origami–based nuclear pore mimics

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adq8773
• Publication Date: 2024-11-13T19:00:02Z
• Authors: Qingzhou Feng; Martin Saladin; Chunxiang Wu; Eason Cao; Wei Zheng; Amy Zhang; Pushpanjali Bhardwaj; Xia Li; Qi Shen; Larisa E. Kapinos; Toshiya Kozai; Malaiyalam Mariappan; C. Patrick Lusk; Yong Xiong; Roderick Y. H. Lim; Chenxiang Lin
• Keywords: Nuclear pore; Nucleoporin; Nanopore

Nucleoporins (nups) in the nuclear pore complex (NPC) form a selective barrier that suppresses diffusion of most macromolecules while enabling rapid transport receptor (NTR)–bound cargos. Recent studies have shown NPC may dilate and constrict, but how altering diameter affects its properties remains unclear. Here, we build DNA nanopores with programmable diameters nup arrangements to model constricted dilated NPCs. We find Nup62 proteins dynamic cross-channel impermeable hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsids when grafted inside 60-nm-wide not 79-nm pores, where cluster locally. Furthermore, importin-β1 substantially changes dynamics assemblies facilitates passage HBV through 60-nm mimics containing Nup153. Our study shows channel width is critical permeability barriers underscores NTRs’ role dynamically remodeling mediating entry viruses.