Patching up the nucleus: a novel role for PMLII in nuclear envelope rupture repair

Abstract

The nuclear envelope (NE) is important for cellular health as it protects and organizes the genome. NE dynamics is important for various cellular processes including cell growth, migration and removal of defective NE components. In extreme cases, the NE can rupture leading to exchange of material between the nuclear interior and the cytoplasm. Rapid repair of the NE is initiated to minimize the effect on the genome. While our understanding of the machinery involved in this repair process is increasing, a lot is still unknown about this process including events leading up to NE rupture. Interestingly, biomolecular condensates have recently been found to play important roles in membrane repair and remodelling in cells. Here, we found that promyelocytic leukemia protein isoform II (PMLII), a protein involved in nuclear PML body formation, forms condensates at the NE. These condensates specifically form at sites where the lamina is disrupted. We show that NE rupture often occurs at these sites and that PMLII stays present until rupture repair is initiated suggesting a role in stabilization of the site for effective repair.