Summary Many protein-protein interactions are mediated through independently folding modular domains. Proteome-wide efforts to model protein-protein interaction or “interactome” networks have largely ignored this modular organization of proteins. We developed an experimental strategy to efficiently identify interaction domains and generated a domain-based interactome network for proteins involved in C. elegans early embryonic cell divisions. Minimal interacting regions were identified for over 200 proteins, providing important information on their domain organization. Furthermore, our approach increased the sensitivity of the two-hybrid system, resulting in a more complete interactome network. This interactome modeling strategy revealed new insights into C. elegans centrosome function and is applicable to other biological processes in this and other organisms.

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Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are channels within the nuclear envelope that mediate nucleocytoplasmic transport. NPCs assemble either into the closed nuclear envelope during interphase or concomitantly with nuclear envelope reformation during anaphase. Both, interphase and post-mitotic NPC biogenesis require local deformation of membrane. Yet, the factors that control proper membrane remodeling for post-mitotic NPC assembly are unknown. Here, we report that the reticulon homology domain-protein REEP4 localizes not only to high-curvature membrane of the cytoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but also to the inner nuclear membrane (INM). We show that REEP4 is recruited to the INM by the NPC biogenesis factor ELYS and promotes NPC assembly. REEP4 contributes mainly to anaphase NPC assembly, suggesting that REEP4 has an unexpected role in coordinating nuclear envelope reformation with post-mitotic NPC biogenesis.

In order to divide successfully, cells need to reorganize their interior including membrane-bound organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER serves as sink and source for the nuclear envelope and undergoes distinct transformations in its morphology and dynamics during cell division. To fully appreciate the functions of ER remodeling during cell division it will be essential to first achieve a detailed understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms.