Over the years, cell biology has built a detailed picture of how cells compartmentalize their internal functions. Central to this organization is the nucleus, which houses the genetic material and is separated from the cytoplasm by a robust nuclear envelope.

Traditionally, the nuclear membrane has been considered a strict barrier, maintaining nuclear integrity except during carefully controlled processes such as mitosis. As a result, the release of nuclear material has largely been associated with cellular damage or death.

However, recent work by a research team in Japan suggests that this view may be incomplete.