Direct visualization of HIV-1 core nuclear import and its interplay with the nuclear pore.

ABSTRACT: Direct visualization of HIV-1 nuclear import through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) presents a technical challenge due to the rarity of this process. To enable systematic investigation, we developed a robust in situ system that mimics HIV-1 nuclear import in a near-native context using isolated HIV-1 virus like particles (VLP) cores and permeabilized CD4 + T lymphocyte (CEM) cells. This approach supports docking and translocation of abundant viral cores through nuclear pores into the nucleus. For high-resolution visualization, we implemented an integrated correlative approach to guide cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) imaging, enabling precise targeting and structural characterization of individual nuclear import events. Using this workflow, we

SUBMITTER: Hou Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12592377 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature