LINC complex

The linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex is a protein complex associated with both inner and outer membranes of the nucleus. It is composed of SUN-domain proteins and KASH-domain proteins. The SUN-domain proteins are membrane-embedded proteins within the inner nuclear membrane (INM). They interact with nuclear lamins, chromatin and an assortment of INM filament and polymer networks within the nucleus. Likewise, KASH domain proteins (called Nesprins in mammals) are embedded in the outer nuclear membrane (ONM) and interact with the SUN-domain proteins in the perinuclear (lumen) space between the two membranes. This interaction within the nuclear envelope lumen composes higher-order assemblies that are responsible for the transmission of force across the nuclear envelope. The KASH domain proteins also cross the outer nuclear membrane to interact with actin filaments, microtubule filaments (through dynein and kinesin motors), intermediate filaments (through spectrin), centrosomes and cytoplasmic organelles. The number of SUN-domain and KASH-domain proteins increased in evolution.

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