Evolution of the nucleus ^☆

Highlights

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  The nuclear pore complex is well conserved, with some regions of divergence.

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  The nuclear lamina appears quite variable between major supergroups.

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  Centrosomes are ancient structures, but with complex evolutionary history.

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  There is evidence for prokaryotic ancestors of some nuclear components.

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  Analysis of divergent organisms is essential to fully understand nuclear biology and its origins.

Abstract

The nucleus represents a major evolutionary transition. As a consequence of separating translation from transcription many new functions arose, which likely contributed to the remarkable success of eukaryotic cells. Here we will consider what has recently emerged on the evolutionary histories of several key aspects of nuclear biology; the nuclear pore complex, the lamina, centrosomes and evidence for prokaryotic origins of relevant players.