The vertebrate pore protein Nup153 plays pivotal roles in nuclear pore function. 
In addition to being important to pore architecture, Nup153 is a key participant 
in both import and export. The scope of Nup153 function also extends beyond the 
canonical view of the pore as a trafficking gateway. During the transition into 
mitosis, Nup153 directs proteins involved in membrane remodeling to the nuclear 
envelope. As cells exit mitosis, Nup153 is recruited to the chromosomal surface, 
where nuclear pores are formed anew in a complicated process still under much 
experimental scrutiny. In addition, Nup153 is targeted for protease cleavage 
during apoptosis and in response to certain viral infections, providing 
molecular insight into pore reconfiguration during cell response. Overall, the 
versatile nature of Nup153 underscores an emerging view of the nuclear pore at 
the nexus of many key cellular processes.