This is a family of conserved fungal proteins involved in nuclear pore assembly [1]. Apq12 is an integral membrane protein of the nuclear envelope (NE) and endoplasmic reticulum. Its absence leads to a partial block in mRNA export and cold-sensitive defects in the growth and localisation of a subset of nucleoporins, particularly those asymmetrically localised to the cytoplasmic fibrils [2]. The defects in nuclear pore assembly appear to be due to defects in regulating membrane fluidity [3].

1: The yeast Apq12 protein affects nucleocytoplasmic mRNA transport. Baker KE, Coller J, Parker R; RNA. 2004;10:1352-1358. PMID:15273328

2: The yeast integral membrane protein Apq12 potentially links membrane dynamics to assembly of nuclear pore complexes. Scarcelli JJ, Hodge CA, Cole CN; J Cell Biol. 2007;178:799-812. PMID:17724120

3: Integral membrane proteins Brr6 and Apq12 link assembly of the nuclear pore complex to lipid homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum. Hodg CA, Choudhary V, Wolyniak MJ, Scarcelli JJ, Schneiter R, Col CN; J Cell Sci. 2010;123:141-151. PMID:20016074