Protein import into nuclei: association and dissociation reactions involving transport substrate, transport factors, and nucleoporins

Characterization of an unusual importin alpha binding motif in the borna disease virus p10 protein that directs nuclear import

Nuclear import of many cellular and viral proteins is mediated by short nuclear localization signals (NLS) that are recognized by intracellular receptor proteins belonging to the importin/karyopherin alpha and beta families. The primary structure of NLS is not well defined, but most contain at least three basic amino acids and harbor the relative consensus sequence K(K/R)X(K/R). We have studied the nuclear import of the Borna disease virus p10 protein that lacks a canonical oligobasic NLS. It is shown that the p10 protein exhibits all characteristics of an actively transported molecule in digitonin-permeabilized cells. Import activity was found to reside in the 20 N-terminal p10 amino acids that are devoid of an NLS consensus motif. Unexpectedly, p10-dependent import was blocked by a peptide inhibitor of importin alpha-dependent nuclear translocation, and the transport activity of the p10 N-terminal domain was shown to correlate with the ability to bind to importin alpha. These findings suggest that nuclear import of the Borna disease virus p10 protein occurs through a nonconventional karyophilic signal and highlight that the cellular importin alpha NLS receptor proteins can recognize nuclear targeting signals that substantially deviate from the consensus sequence.

Kap121p-mediated nuclear import is required for mating and cellular differentiation in yeast

To further our understanding of how the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery interfaces with its cargoes and how this affects cellular physiology, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of phenotypes associated with mutations in karyopherin Kap121p. Two previously unreported phenotypes of kap121 cells were observed: defects in mating and in the transition from the normal yeast form to the pseudohyphal, invasive form. In parallel, we searched for Kap121p cargoes by using Kap121p as a probe in overlay assays of yeast nuclear proteins. One of the major interacting proteins identified by this procedure was Ste12p, a transcription factor central to both the mating response and the pseudohyphal transition. We therefore investigated whether defects in these differentiation processes were due to an inability to import Ste12p. Both immunopurification and in vitro binding studies demonstrated that Ste12p interacted specifically with Kap121p in a Ran-GTP-sensitive manner and that Ste12p was mislocalized to the cytoplasm by inactivation of Kap121p in a temperature-sensitive mutant. The Kap121p-specific nuclear localization signal (NLS) of Ste12p was determined to reside within a C-terminal region of Ste12p. Furthermore, by overexpression of STE12 or expression of a STE12-cNLS fusion in kap121 cells, the invasive-growth defect and the mating defect were both suppressed. Together these data demonstrate that Ste12p is imported into nuclei by Kap121p and that mating and differentiation defects associated with kap121 mutants are primarily attributable to the mislocalization of Ste12p.

Nucleocytoplasmic transport of proteins and poly(A)+ RNA in reconstituted Tpr-less nuclei in living mammalian cells

BACKGROUND

It is known that Tpr is a component of an intranuclear long filament which extends from the nuclear pore complex (NPC) into the nucleoplasm. Since the over-expression of the full-length of or some fragments of Tpr in living cells leads to the accumulation of poly(A)+ RNA within the nuclei, it is generally thought that a relationship exists between Tpr and the nuclear export of mRNA in mammalian cells. In contrast, the nuclear export of poly(A)+ RNA was not inhibited in a double deletion mutant of yeast Tpr homologues (Mlp1p and Mlp2p). Therefore, the precise function of Tpr remains unknown.

RESULTS

By microinjecting two types of polyclonal antibodies which are specific to Tpr into the cytoplasm of living mammalian interphase cells, we succeeded in reconstituting the Tpr-less nuclei. In the Tpr-less nuclei, the localization of the major components of the NPC, the nuclear import of SV40 T-NLS substrates and the nuclear export of HIV Rev NES-substrates were not affected. However poly(A)+ RNA accumulated in the non-snRNP splicing factor SC35-positive clusters, which became larger in size and fewer in number, compared with normal nuclei.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that Tpr plays a critical role in the intranuclear dynamics of RNA pol II transcripts, including the processing, intranuclear transport and targeting, as well as their translocation through the NPC in mammalian cells.

Visualization of a Ran-GTP gradient in interphase and mitotic Xenopus egg extracts

The small guanosine triphosphatase Ran is loaded with guanosine triphosphate (GTP) by the chromatin-bound guanine nucleotide exchange factor RCC1 and releases import cargoes in the nucleus during interphase. In mitosis, Ran-GTP promotes spindle assembly around chromosomes by locally discharging cargoes that regulate microtubule dynamics and organization. We used fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensors to visualize gradients of Ran-GTP and liberated cargoes around chromosomes in mitotic Xenopus egg extracts. Both gradients were required to assemble and maintain spindle structure. During interphase, Ran-GTP was highly enriched in the nucleoplasm, and a steep concentration difference between nuclear and cytoplasmic Ran-GTP was established, providing evidence for a Ran-GTP gradient surrounding chromosomes throughout the cell cycle.

Role of importin-beta in the control of nuclear envelope assembly by Ran

Compartmentalization of the genetic material into a nucleus bounded by a nuclear envelope (NE) is the hallmark of a eukaryotic cell. The control of NE assembly is poorly understood, but in a cell-free system made from Xenopus eggs, NE assembly involves the small GTPase Ran. In this system, Sepharose beads coated with Ran induce the formation of functional NEs in the absence of chromatin. Here, we show that importin-beta, an effector of Ran involved in nucleocytoplasmic transport and mitotic spindle assembly, is required for NE assembly induced by Ran. Concentration of importin-beta on beads is sufficient to induce NE assembly in Xenopus egg extracts. The function of importin-beta in NE assembly is disrupted by a mutation that decreases affinity for nucleoporins containing FxFG repeats. By contrast, a truncated protein that cannot interact with importin-alpha is functional. Thus, importin-beta functions in NE assembly by recruiting FxFG nucleoporins rather than by interaction through importin-alpha with karyophilic proteins carrying classical nuclear localization signals. Importin-beta links NE assembly, mitotic spindle assembly, and nucleocytoplasmic transport to regulation by Ran and may coordinate these processes during cell division.

The importin-beta binding domain of snurportin1 is responsible for the Ran- and energy-independent nuclear import of spliceosomal U snRNPs in vitro

The nuclear localization signal (NLS) of spliceosomal U snRNPs is composed of the U snRNA's 2,2,7-trimethyl-guanosine (m3G)-cap and the Sm core domain. The m3G-cap is specifically bound by snurportin1, which contains an NH2-terminal importin-beta binding (IBB) domain and a COOH-terminal m3G-cap--binding region that bears no structural similarity to known import adaptors like importin-alpha (impalpha). Here, we show that recombinant snurportin1 and importin-beta (impbeta) are not only necessary, but also sufficient for U1 snRNP transport to the nuclei of digitonin-permeabilized HeLa cells. In contrast to impalpha-dependent import, single rounds of U1 snRNP import, mediated by the nuclear import receptor complex snurportin1-impbeta, did not require Ran and energy. The same Ran- and energy-independent import was even observed for U5 snRNP, which has a molecular weight of more than one million. Interestingly, in the presence of impbeta and a snurportin1 mutant containing an impalpha IBB domain (IBBimpalpha), nuclear U1 snRNP import was Ran dependent. Furthermore, beta-galactosidase (betaGal) containing a snurportin1 IBB domain, but not IBBimpalpha-betaGal, was imported into the nucleus in a Ran-independent manner. Our results suggest that the nature of the IBB domain modulates the strength and/or site of interaction of impbeta with nucleoporins of the nuclear pore complex, and thus whether or not Ran is required to dissociate these interactions.

Ribosomal protein L12 uses a distinct nuclear import pathway mediated by importin 11

Ribosome biogenesis requires the nuclear translocation of ribosomal proteins from their site of synthesis in the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Analyses of the import mechanisms have revealed that most ribosomal proteins can be delivered to the nucleus by multiple transport receptors (karyopherins or importins). We now provide evidence that ribosomal protein L12 (rpL12) is distinguished from the bulk of ribosomal proteins because it accesses the importin 11 pathway as a major route into the nucleus. rpL12 specifically and directly interacted with importin 11 in vitro and in vivo. Both rpL12 binding to and import by importin 11 were inhibited by another importin 11 substrate, UbcM2, indicating that these two cargoes may bind overlapping sites on the transport receptor. In contrast, the import of rpL23a, a ribosomal protein that uses the general ribosomal protein import system, was not competed by UbcM2, and in an in vitro binding assay, importin 11 did not bind to the nuclear localization signal of rpL23a. Furthermore, in a transient transfection assay, the nuclear accumulation of rpL12 was increased by coexpressed importin 11, but not by other importins. These data are consistent with importin 11 being a mediator of rpL12 nuclear import. Taken together, these results indicate that rpL12 uses a distinct nuclear import pathway that may contribute to a mechanism for regulating ribosome synthesis and/or maturation.

Modular self-assembly of a Y-shaped multiprotein complex from seven nucleoporins

Now that it is likely that all yeast nucleoporins are known, one of the ultimate goals is the in vitro assembly of the entire nuclear pore complex from its approximately 30 individual components. Here, we report the reconstitution of seven proteins (Nup133p, Nup145p-C, Nup120p, Nup85p, Nup84p, Seh1p and Sec13p) into a heptameric 0.5 MDa nuclear pore subcomplex. We found that double plasmid transformation combined with bi-cistronic mRNA translation allow the expression and assembly of distinct subcomplexes of up to five nucleoporins in a single Escherichia coli cell. During the sequential reconstitution of the Nup84p complex, smaller assembly intermediates can be isolated, which exhibit modular structures determined by electron microscopy that finally make up the whole Y-shaped Nup84p complex. Importantly, a seventh subunit, Nup133p, was incorporated into the complex through its interaction with Nup84p, thereby elongating one arm of the Y-shaped assembly to an approximately 40 nm long stalk. Taken together, our data document that the Nup84p-Nup133p complex self-assembles in a modular concept from distinct smaller nucleoporin construction sets.

Importins fulfil a dual function as nuclear import receptors and cytoplasmic chaperones for exposed basic domains

Many nuclear transport pathways are mediated by importin beta-related transport receptors. Here, we identify human importin (Imp) 4b as well as mouse Imp4a, Imp9a and Imp9b as novel family members. Imp4a mediates import of the ribosomal protein (rp) S3a, while Imp9a and Imp9b import rpS7, rpL18a and apparently numerous other substrates. Ribosomal proteins, histones and many other nuclear import substrates are very basic proteins that aggregate easily with cytoplasmic polyanions such as RNA. Imp9 effectively prevents such precipitation of, for example, rpS7 and rpL18a by covering their basic domains. The same applies to Imp4, Imp5, Imp7 and Impbeta and their respective basic import substrates. The Impbeta-Imp7 heterodimer appears specialized for the most basic proteins, such as rpL4, rpL6 and histone H1, and is necessary and sufficient to keep them soluble in a cytoplasmic environment prior to rRNA or DNA binding, respectively. Thus, just as heat shock proteins function as chaperones for exposed hydrophobic patches, importins act as chaperones for exposed basic domains, and we suggest that this represents a major and general cellular function of importins.

Roles of cytoskeletal and junctional plaque proteins in nuclear signaling

Cytoplasmic junctional plaque proteins play an important role at intercellular junctions. They link transmembrane cell adhesion molecules to components of the cytoskeleton, thereby playing an important role in the control of many cellular processes. Recent studies on the subcellular distribution of some plaque proteins have revealed that a number of these proteins are able to localize in the nucleus. This dual location indicates that in addition to promoting adhesive interactions, plaque proteins may also play a direct role in nuclear processes, and in particular in the transfer of signals from the membrane to the nucleus. Therefore, translocation of plaque proteins into the nucleus in response to extracellular signals could represent a novel and direct mechanism by which signals can be transmitted from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. This could allow cells to respond to changing environmental conditions in a rapid and efficient way. In addition, conditional sequestration of karyophilic proteins at the sites of cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion may represent a general mechanism for the regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport.

Pathways mediating the nuclear import of histones H3 and H4 in yeast

The correct assembly of chromatin is necessary for the maintenance of genomic stability in eukaryotic cells. A critical step in the assembly of new chromatin is the cell cycle-regulated synthesis and nuclear import of core histones. Here we demonstrate that the nuclear import pathway of histones H3 and H4 is mediated by at least two karyopherins/importins, Kap123p and Kap121p. Cytosolic H4 is found associated with Kap123p and H3. Kap121p is also present in the H4-PrA-associated fractions, albeit in lesser amounts than Kap123p, suggesting that this Kap serves as an additional import receptor. We further demonstrate that cytosolic Kap123p is associated with acetylated H3 and H4. H3 and H4 each contain a nuclear localization signal (NLS) in their amino-terminal domains. These amino-terminal domains were found to be essential for the nuclear accumulation of H3 and H4-green fluorescent protein reporters. Each NLS mediated direct binding to Kap123p and Kap121p, and decreased nuclear accumulation of H3 and H4 NLS-green fluorescent protein reporters was observed in specific kap mutant strains. H3 and H4 are the first histones to be assembled onto DNA, and these results show that their import is mediated by at least two import pathways.

Characterization and potential function of a novel testis-specific nucleoporin BS-63

A 1933 bp cDNA fragment, coding a truncated testis-specific novel nucleoporin, was isolated from a human testis lambdaZAPII cDNA library, designated as BS-63 and assigned GenBank accession number: U64675. By applying the methods of rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5' RACE) and PCR, a full-length BS-63 cDNA composed of 5475 bp was obtained. BS-63 cDNA contained an open reading frame consisting of 1765 codons and XFXFG or GLFG repetitive sequence motifs. These repetitive motifs are structural characteristic of nucleoporins. BS-63 cDNA has high homology with Nup358/Ran BP2. A 1599 bp fragment, corresponding to the C-terminus of BS-63 cDNA, was prepared and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant product was purified by affinity chromatography and SDS-PAGE and polyclonal antibodies raised. In rat testis section, the BS-63 protein was localized at the sites of nuclear pores in spermatids by immuno-gold transmission electron microscopy and on the nuclear membrane of Triton X-treated sperm by colloidal silver immuno-gold scanning electron microscopy. The recombinant BS-63 protein can be phosphorylated in vitro with PKC and p34(cdc2). A yeast two-hybrid system was used to screen a mouse testis cDNA library to identify proteins capable of interacting with BS-63. Using the 1.6 kb cDNA fragment as bait, the following interacting proteins were identified: Ran, transportin (karyopherin beta2), two proteins related to the nucleocytoplasmic transporter and aF10 protein. The latter protein is a putative transcriptor containing a cysteine-rich N-terminus, a LAP/PHD finger, a leucine zipper domain and a glutamine-rich C-terminus. Also it is highly expressed in murine testis and is located in the cell nucleus and cytoplasm. The interaction of BS-63 with aF10 (696-1001aa) was validated by surface plasmon resonance and by affinity precipitation combined with Western blot. aF10 (696-1001aa) interacted in vitro with BS-63 extracted from rat testis germ cells. It is hypothesized that BS-63 is a testis-specific nucleoporin and possibly acts as a docking site and a cotransporter of Ran and transportin. The complex performs the task of a carrier system in transporting aF10 into the nucleus of germ cells during spermiogenesis.

The C-terminal nuclear localization signal of the sex-determining region Y (SRY) high mobility group domain mediates nuclear import through importin beta 1

The sex-determining factor SRY is a DNA-binding protein that diverts primordial gonads from the ovarian pathway toward male differentiation to form testes. It gains access to the nucleus through two distinct nuclear localization signals (NLSs) that flank the high mobility group (HMG) DNA-binding domain, but the mechanisms through which these NLSs operate have not been studied. In this study, we reconstitute the nuclear import of SRY in vitro, demonstrating a lack of requirement for exogenous factors for nuclear accumulation and a significant reduction in nuclear transport in the presence of antibodies to importin beta but not importin alpha. Using a range of quantitative binding assays including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, fluorescence polarization, and native gel mobility electrophoresis, we assess the binding of importins to SRY, demonstrating a high affinity recognition (in the low nm range) by Imp beta independent of Imp alpha. In assessing the contribution of each NLS, we found that the N-terminal NLS was recognized poorly by importins, whereas the C-terminal NLS was bound by importin beta with similar affinity to SRY. We also found that RanGTP, but not RanGDP, could dissociate the SRY-importin beta complex in solution using FP. We describe a novel double-fluorescent label DNA binding assay to demonstrate mutual exclusivity between importin beta recognition and DNA binding on the part of SRY, which may represent an alternative release mechanism upon nuclear entry. This study represents the first characterization of the nuclear import pathway for a HMG domain-containing protein. Importantly, it demonstrates for the first time that recognition of SRY by Imp beta is of comparable affinity to that with which Imp alpha/beta recognizes conventional NLS-containing substrates.

Import of adenovirus DNA involves the nuclear pore complex receptor CAN/Nup214 and histone H1

Adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) imports its DNA genome through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) of cells in interphase for viral production. Here we identify the NPC-filament protein CAN/Nup214 as a docking site for incoming Ad2 capsids. Binding to CAN is independent of cytosolic factors. Capsids disassemble at NPCs to free their DNA for import. This process requires binding of nuclear histone H1 to the stably docked capsids and involves H1-import factors, restricting this irreversible process to the proximity of the nucleus. Our results provide a molecular mechanism for disassembly of Ad2 and reveal an unexpected function of histone H1 in virus-mediated DNA import.

Transport into and out of the nucleus

A defining characteristic of eukaryotic cells is the possession of a nuclear envelope. Transport of macromolecules between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments occurs through nuclear pore complexes that span the double membrane of this envelope. The molecular basis for transport has been revealed only within the last few years. The transport mechanism lacks motors and pumps and instead operates by a process of facilitated diffusion of soluble carrier proteins, in which vectoriality is provided by compartment-specific assembly and disassembly of cargo-carrier complexes. The carriers recognize localization signals on the cargo and can bind to pore proteins. They also bind a small GTPase, Ran, whose GTP-bound form is predominantly nuclear. Ran-GTP dissociates import carriers from their cargo and promotes the assembly of export carriers with cargo. The ongoing discovery of numerous carriers, Ran-independent transport mechanisms, and cofactors highlights the complexity of the nuclear transport process. Multiple regulatory mechanisms are also being identified that control cargo-carrier interactions. Circadian rhythms, cell cycle, transcription, RNA processing, and signal transduction are all regulated at the level of nucleocytoplasmic transport. This review focuses on recent discoveries in the field, with an emphasis on the carriers and cofactors involved in transport and on possible mechanisms for movement through the nuclear pores.

In vitro analysis of nuclear transport mediated by the C-terminal shuttle domain of Tap

The Tap protein of higher eukaryotes is implicated in the nuclear export of type D retroviral mRNA and some cellular mRNAs. Here we have developed an in vitro assay to study nuclear export mediated by the C-terminal shuttle domain of Tap involving the rapamycin-induced attachment of this transport domain to a nuclear green fluorescent protein-containing reporter. We found that export by the Tap transport domain does not involve cytosolic transport factors including the GTPase Ran. The transport domain directly binds to several nucleoporins positioned in different regions of the nuclear pore complex. These results argue that a direct interaction of the Tap transport domain with nucleoporins is responsible for its nucleocytoplasmic translocation. We found that the karyopherin beta-related export receptor CRM1 competes with the Tap transport domain for binding to Nup214 but not for binding to Nup62 or Nup153, suggesting that the Tap and CRM1 nuclear export pathways converge at the cytoplasmic periphery of the nuclear pore complex. Because the rates of in vitro nuclear import and export by the Tap transport domain are very similar, the directionality of mRNA export mediated by Tap probably is determined by mechanisms other than simple binding of the Tap transport domain to nucleoporins.

CRM1 mediates the export of ADAR1 through a nuclear export signal within the Z-DNA binding domain

RNA editing of specific residues by adenosine deamination is a nuclear process catalyzed by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR). Different promoters in the ADAR1 gene give rise to two forms of the protein: a constitutive promoter expresses a transcript encoding (c)ADAR1, and an interferon-induced promoter expresses a transcript encoding an N-terminally extended form, (i)ADAR1. Here we show that (c)ADAR1 is primarily nuclear whereas (i)ADAR1 encompasses a functional nuclear export signal in the N-terminal part and is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttle protein. Mutation of the nuclear export signal or treatment with the CRM1-specific drug leptomycin B induces nuclear accumulation of (i)ADAR1 fused to the green fluorescent protein and increases the nuclear editing activity. In concurrence, CRM1 and RanGTP interact specifically with the (i)ADAR1 nuclear export signal to form a tripartite export complex in vitro. Furthermore, our data imply that nuclear import of (i)ADAR1 is mediated by at least two nuclear localization sequences. These results suggest that the nuclear editing activity of (i)ADAR1 is modulated by nuclear export.

Functional analysis of the hydrophobic patch on nuclear transport factor 2 involved in interactions with the nuclear pore in vivo

Nuclear transport factor 2 (NTF2) is a small homodimeric protein that interacts simultaneously with both RanGDP and FxFG nucleoporins. The interaction between NTF2 and Ran is essential for the import of Ran into the nucleus. Here we use mutational analysis to dissect the in vivo role of the interaction between NTF2 and nucleoporins. We identify a series of surface residues that form a hydrophobic patch on NTF2, which when mutated disrupt the NTF2-nucleoporin interaction. Analysis of these mutants in vivo demonstrates that the strength of this interaction can be significantly reduced without affecting cell viability. However, cells cease to be viable if the interaction between NTF2 and nucleoporins is abolished completely, indicating that this interaction is essential for the function of NTF2 in vivo. In addition, we have isolated a dominant negative mutant of NTF2, N77Y, which has increased affinity for nucleoporins. Overexpression of the N77Y protein blocks nuclear protein import and concentrates Ran at the nuclear rim. These data support a mechanism in which NTF2 interacts transiently with FxFG nucleoporins to translocate through the pore and import RanGDP into the nucleus.

Interactions and nuclear import of the N and P proteins of sonchus yellow net virus, a plant nucleorhabdovirus

We have characterized the interaction and nuclear localization of the nucleocapsid (N) protein and phosphoprotein (P) of sonchus yellow net nucleorhabdovirus. Expression studies with plant and yeast cells revealed that both N and P are capable of independent nuclear import. Site-specific mutagenesis and deletion analyses demonstrated that N contains a carboxy-terminal bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) located between amino acids 465 and 481 and that P contains a karyophillic region between amino acids 40 and 124. The N NLS was fully capable of functioning outside of the context of the N protein and was able to direct the nuclear import of a synthetic protein fusion consisting of green fluorescent protein fused to glutathione S-transferase (GST). Expression and mapping studies suggested that the karyophillic domain in P is located within the N-binding domain. Coexpression of N and P drastically affected their localization patterns relative to those of individually expressed proteins and resulted in a shift of both proteins to a subnuclear region. Yeast two-hybrid and GST pulldown experiments verified the N-P and P-P interactions, and deletion analyses have identified the N and P interacting domains. N NLS mutants were not transported to the nucleus by import-competent P, presumably because N binding masks the P NLS. Taken together, our results support a model for independent entry of N and P into the nucleus followed by associations that mediate subnuclear localization.

Protein export from the nucleus

The evolution of the nucleus imposed on eukaryotic cells the necessity to strictly control exchange of molecules between the nucleus and the remainder of the cell, not only to protect and correctly transmit genetic information, but also to coordinate nuclear and cytoplasmic functions. Studies over the past 10 years have provided major insights into the molecular mechanisms responsible for transport of molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In addition, regulation of the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of diverse cellular factors has emerged as one of the most efficient mechanism to adapt gene expression to the cell environment, for example by controlling the access of transcriptional regulators to their target genes. In this review, we focus on the molecular basis of protein nuclear export that relies on interactions between targeting sequences present on the cargoes, specific export receptors or exportins and nuclear pore proteins, with special emphasis on the role of the Ran GTPase and associated proteins in this process.

The dynamics of karyopherin-mediated nuclear transport

The regulated exchange of proteins and nucleic acids between the nucleus and cytoplasm demands a complex interplay between nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), which provide conduits in the nuclear envelope, and mobile transport receptors (or karyopherins, also known as importins/exportins) that bind and mediate the translocation of cargoes through the NPCs. Biochemical characterization of individual karyopherins has led to the identification of many of their cargoes and to the elucidation of the mechanisms by which they mediate transport. Likewise, the characterization of numerous NPC-associated components, in combination with structural studies of NPCs, have begun to address the possible mechanisms that drive nucleocytoplasmic transport, and the role that different nucleoporins play in the transport process. Some recent studies indicate that several NPC-associated factors, previously thought to be stable components of the NPC, dynamically interact with both nuclear and cytoplasmic aspects of the NPC. The mobility of these components challenges our conventional view of the NPC as the stationary phase of transport. These components and their potiential roles in nucleo-cytoplasmic transport are discussed.Key words: Nucleocytoplasmic transport, nuclear pore complex, nucleoporin, karyopherin, Nup2p.

Nuclear envelope dynamics

The nuclear envelope (NE) provides a semi permeable barrier between the nucleus and cytoplasm and plays a central role in the regulation of macromolecular trafficking between these two compartments. In addition to this transport function, the NE is a key determinant of interphase nuclear architecture. Defects in NE proteins such as A-type lamins and the inner nuclear membrane protein, emerin, result in several human diseases that include cardiac and skeletal myopathies as well as lipodystrophy. Certain disease-linked A-type lamin defects cause profound changes in nuclear organization such as loss of peripheral heterochromatin and redistribution of other nuclear envelope components. While clearly essential in maintenance of nuclear integrity, the NE is a highly dynamic organelle. In interphase it is constantly remodeled to accommodate nuclear growth. During mitosis it must be completely dispersed so that the condensed chromosomes may gain access to the mitotic spindle. Upon completion of mitosis, dispersed NE components are reutilized in the assembly of nuclei within each daughter cell. These complex NE rearrangements are under precise temporal and spatial control and involve interactions with microtubules, chromatin, and a variety of cell-cycle regulatory molecules.Key words: nuclear envelope, lamin, nuclear pore complex, nuclear membranes, mitosis.

RanBP3 influences interactions between CRM1 and its nuclear protein export substrates

We investigated the role of RanBP3, a nuclear member of the Ran-binding protein 1 family, in CRM1-mediated protein export in higher eukaryotes. RanBP3 interacts directly with CRM1 and also forms a trimeric complex with CRM1 and RanGTP. However, RanBP3 does not bind to CRM1 like an export substrate. Instead, it can stabilize CRM1-export substrate interaction. Nuclear RanBP3 stimulates CRM1-dependent protein export in permeabilized cells. These data indicate that RanBP3 functions by a novel mechanism as a cofactor in recognition and export of certain CRM1 substrates. In vitro, RanBP3 binding to CRM1 affects the relative affinity of CRM1 for different substrates.

Biophysical characterization of interactions involving importin-alpha during nuclear import

Proteins containing the classical nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) are imported into the nucleus by the importin-alpha/beta heterodimer. Importin-alpha contains the NLS binding site, whereas importin-beta mediates the translocation through the nuclear pore. We characterized the interactions involving importin-alpha during nuclear import using a combination of biophysical techniques (biosensor, crystallography, sedimentation equilibrium, electrophoresis, and circular dichroism). Importin-alpha is shown to exist in a monomeric autoinhibited state (association with NLSs undetectable by biosensor). Association with importin-beta (stoichiometry, 1:1; K(D) = 1.1 x 10(-8) m) increases the affinity for NLSs; the importin-alpha/beta complex binds representative monopartite NLS (simian virus 40 large T-antigen) and bipartite NLS (nucleoplasmin) with affinities (K(D) = 3.5 x 10(-8) m and 4.8 x 10(-8) m, respectively) comparable with those of a truncated importin-alpha lacking the autoinhibitory domain (T-antigen NLS, K(D) = 1.7 x 10(-8) m; nucleoplasmin NLS, K(D) = 1.4 x 10(-8) m). The autoinhibitory domain (as a separate peptide) binds the truncated importin-alpha, and the crystal structure of the complex resembles the structure of full-length importin-alpha. Our results support the model of regulation of nuclear import mediated by the intrasteric autoregulatory sequence of importin-alpha and provide a quantitative description of the binding and regulatory steps during nuclear import.

Calcineurin-dependent nuclear import of the transcription factor Crz1p requires Nmd5p

Calcineurin is a conserved Ca2+/calmodulin-specific serine-threonine protein phosphatase that mediates many Ca2+-dependent signaling events. In yeast, calcineurin dephosphorylates Crz1p, a transcription factor that binds to the calcineurin-dependent response element, a 24-bp promoter element. Calcineurin-dependent dephosphorylation of Crz1p alters Crz1p nuclear localization. This study examines the mechanism by which calcineurin regulates the nuclear localization of Crz1p in more detail. We describe the identification and characterization of a novel nuclear localization sequence (NLS) in Crz1p, which requires both basic and hydrophobic residues for activity, and show that the karyopherin Nmd5p is required for Crz1p nuclear import. We also demonstrate that the binding of Crz1p to Nmd5p is dependent upon its phosphorylation state, indicating that nuclear import of Crz1p is regulated by calcineurin. Finally, we demonstrate that residues in both the NH2- and COOH-terminal portions of Crz1p are required for regulated Crz1p binding to Nmd5p, supporting a model of NLS masking for regulating Crz1p nuclear import.

The nucleoporin Nup60p functions as a Gsp1p-GTP-sensitive tether for Nup2p at the nuclear pore complex

The nucleoporins Nup60p, Nup2p, and Nup1p form part of the nuclear basket structure of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nuclear pore complex (NPC). Here, we show that these necleoporins can be isolated from yeast extracts by affinity chromatography on karyopherin Kap95p-coated beads. To characterize Nup60p further, Nup60p-coated beads were used to capture its interacting proteins from extracts. We find that Nup60p binds to Nup2p and serves as a docking site for Kap95p-Kap60p heterodimers and Kap123p. Nup60p also binds Gsp1p-GTP and its guanine nucleotide exchange factor Prp20p, and functions as a Gsp1p guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor by reducing the activity of Prp20p. Yeast lacking Nup60p exhibit minor defects in nuclear export of Kap60p, nuclear import of Kap95p-Kap60p-dependent cargoes, and diffusion of small proteins across the NPC. Yeast lacking Nup60p also fail to anchor Nup2p at the NPC, resulting in the mislocalization of Nup2p to the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm. Purified Nup60p and Nup2p bind each other directly, but the stability of the complex is compromised when Kap60p binds Nup2p. Gsp1p-GTP enhances by 10-fold the affinity between Nup60p and Nup2p, and restores binding of Nup2p-Kap60p complexes to Nup60p. The results suggest a dynamic interaction, controlled by the nucleoplasmic concentration of Gsp1p-GTP, between Nup60p and Nup2p at the NPC.

Developmental regulation of the heat shock response by nuclear transport factor karyopherin-α3

During early stages of Drosophila development the heat-shock response cannot be induced. It is reasoned that the adverse effects on cell cycle and cell growth brought about by Hsp70 induction must outweigh the beneficial aspects of Hsp70 induction in the early embryo. Although the Drosophila heat shock transcription factor (dHSF) is abundant in the early embryo it does not enter the nucleus in response to heat shock. In older embryos and in cultured cells the factor is localized within the nucleus in an apparent trimeric structure that binds DNA with high affinity. The domain responsible for nuclear localization upon stress resides between residues 390 and 420 of the dHSF. Using that domain as bait in a yeast two-hybrid system we now report the identification and cloning of a Drosophila nuclear transport protein karyopherin-α3 (dKap-α3). Biochemical methods demonstrate that the dKap-α3 protein binds specifically to the dHSF’s nuclear localization sequence (NLS). Furthermore, the dKap-α3 protein does not associate with NLSs that contain point mutations, which are not transported in vivo. Nuclear docking studies also demonstrate specific nuclear targeting of the NLS substrate by dKap-α3. Consistant with previous studies demonstrating that early Drosophila embryos are refractory to heat shock as a result of dHSF nuclear exclusion, we demonstrate that the early embryo is deficient in dKap-α3 protein through cycle 12. From cycle 13 onward the transport factor is present and the dHSF is localized within the nucleus thus allowing the embryo to respond to heat shock.

Ran GTPase: a master regulator of nuclear structure and function during the eukaryotic cell division cycle?

Ran is an abundant GTPase that is highly conserved in eukaryotic cells and has been implicated in many aspects of nuclear structure and function, especially determining the directionality of nucleocytoplasmic transport during interphase. However, cell-free systems have recently shown that Ran plays distinct roles in mitotic spindle assembly and nuclear envelope (NE) formation in vitro. During spindle assembly, Ran controls the formation of complexes with importins, the same effectors that control nucleocytoplasmic transport. Here, we review these advances and discuss a general model for Ran in the coordination of nuclear processes throughout the cell division cycle via common biochemical mechanisms.

Multiple pathways contribute to nuclear import of core histones

Nuclear import of the four core histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 is one of the main nuclear import activities during S-phase of the cell cycle. However, the molecular machinery facilitating nuclear import of core histones has not been elucidated. Here, we investigated the pathways by which histone import can occur. First, we show that core histone import can be competed by the BIB (beta-like import receptor binding) domain of ribosomal protein L23a suggesting that histone import is an importin mediated process. Secondly, affinity chromatography on immobilized core histones revealed that several members of the importin beta family of transport receptors are able to interact with core histones. Finally, we demonstrate that at least four known and one novel importin, importin 9, can mediate nuclear import of core histones into the nuclei of permeabilized cells. Our results suggest that multiple pathways of import exist to provide efficient nuclear uptake of these abundant, essential proteins.

Proteomic analysis of nucleoporin interacting proteins

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae nuclear pore complex is a supramolecular assembly of 30 nucleoporins that cooperatively facilitate nucleocytoplasmic transport. Thirteen nucleoporins that contain FG peptide repeats (FG Nups) are proposed to function as stepping stones in karyopherin-mediated transport pathways. Here, protein interactions that occur at individual FG Nups were sampled using immobilized nucleoporins and yeast extracts. We find that many proteins bind to FG Nups in highly reproducible patterns. Among 135 proteins identified by mass spectrometry, most were karyopherins and nucleoporins. The PSFG nucleoporin Nup42p and the GLFG nucleoporins Nup49p, Nup57p, Nup100p, and Nup116p exhibited generic interactions with karyopherins; each bound 6--10 different karyopherin betas, including importins as well as exportins. Unexpectedly, the same Nups also captured the hexameric Nup84p complex and Nup2p. In contrast, the FXFG nucleoporins Nup1p, Nup2p, and Nup60p were more selective and captured mostly the Kap95p.Kap60p heterodimer. When the concentration of Gsp1p-GTP was elevated in the extracts to mimic the nucleoplasmic environment, the patterns of interacting proteins changed; exportins exhibited enhanced binding to FG Nups, and importins exhibited reduced binding. The results demonstrate a global role for Gsp1p-GTP on karyopherin-nucleoporin interactions and provide a rudimentary map of the routes that karyopherins take as they cross the nuclear pore complex.

Triggering ubiquitination of a CDK inhibitor at origins of DNA replication

To ensure proper timing of the G1-S transition in the cell cycle, the cyclin E-Cdk2 complex, which is responsible for the initiation of DNA replication, is restrained by the p21(Cip1)/p27(Kip1)/p57(Kip2) family of CDK (cyclin-dependent kinase) inhibitors in humans and by the related p27(Xic1) protein in Xenopus. Activation of cyclin E-Cdk2 is linked to the ubiquitination of human p27(Kip1) or Xenopus p27(Xic1) by SCF (for Skp1-Cullin-F-box protein) ubiquitin ligases. For human p27(Kip1), ubiquitination requires direct phosphorylation by cyclin E-Cdk2. We show here that Xic1 ubiquitination does not require phosphorylation by cyclin E-Cdk2, but it does require nuclear accumulation of the Xic1-cyclin E-Cdk2 complex and recruitment of this complex to chromatin by the origin-recognition complex together with Cdc6 replication preinitiation factors; it also requires an activation step necessitating cyclin E-Cdk2-kinase and SCF ubiquitin-ligase activity, and additional factors associated with mini-chromosome maintenance proteins, including the inactivation of geminin. Components of the SCF ubiquitin-ligase complex, including Skp1 and Cul1, are also recruited to chromatin through cyclin E-Cdk2 and the preinitiation complex. Thus, activation of the cyclin E-Cdk2 kinase and ubiquitin-dependent destruction of its inhibitor are spatially constrained to the site of a properly assembled preinitiation complex.

Characterization and use of green fluorescent proteins from Renilla mulleri and Ptilosarcus guernyi for the human cell display of functional peptides

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is useful as an intracellular scaffold for the display of random peptide libraries in yeast. GFPs with a different sequence from Aequorea victoria have recently been identified from Renilla mulleri and Ptilosarcus gurneyi. To examine these proteins as intracellular scaffolds for peptide display in human cells, we have determined the expression level of retrovirally delivered human codon-optimized versions in Jurkat-E acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells using fluorescence activated cell sorting and Western blots. Each wild type protein is expressed at 40% higher levels than A. victoria mutants optimized for maximum fluorescence. We have compared the secondary structure and stability of these GFPs with A. victoria GFP using circular dichroism (CD). All three GFPs essentially showed a perfect beta-strand conformation and their melting temperatures (Tm) are very similar, giving an experimental evidence of a similar overall structure. Folded Renilla GFP allows display of an influenza hemagglutinin epitope tag in several internal insertion sites, including one which is not permissive for such display in Aequorea GFP, giving greater flexibility in peptide display options. To test display of a functional peptide, we show that the SV-40 derived nuclear localization sequence PPKKKRKV, when inserted into two different potential loops, results in the complete localization of Renilla GFP to the nucleus of human A549 cells.

Nucleocytoplasmic transport: diffusion channel or phase transition?

How exactly large molecules translocate through nuclear pores has been mysterious for a long time. Recent kinetic measurements of transport rates through the pore have led to a novel translocation model that elegantly combines selectivity with very high transport rates.

Importin 13: a novel mediator of nuclear import and export

Importin beta-related receptors mediate translocation through nuclear pore complexes. Co-operation with the RanGTPase system allows them to bind and subsequently release their substrates on opposite sides of the nuclear envelope, which in turn ensures a directed nucleocytoplasmic transport. Here we identify a novel family member from higher eukaryotes that functions primarily, but not exclusively, in import. It accounts for nuclear accumulation of the SUMO-1/sentrin-conjugating enzyme hUBC9 and mediates import of the RBM8 (Y14) protein, and is therefore referred to as importin 13 (Imp13). Unexpectedly, Imp13 also shows export activity towards the translation initiation factor eIF1A and is thus a case where a single importin beta-like receptor transports different substrates in opposite directions. However, Imp13 operates differently from typical exportins in that the binding of eIF1A to Imp13 is only regulated indirectly by RanGTP, and the cytoplasmic release of eIF1A from Imp13 is triggered by the loading of import substrates onto Imp13.

Phosphorylation regulates the interaction between Gln3p and the nuclear import factor Srp1p

Gln3p is a GATA-type transcription activator of nitrogen catabolite repressible (NCR) genes. Gln3p was recently found to be hyperphosphorylated in a TOR-dependent manner and resides in the cytoplasm in high quality nitrogen. In contrast, during nitrogen starvation or rapamycin treatment, Gln3p becomes rapidly dephosphorylated and accumulates in the nucleus, thereby activating nitrogen catabolite repression genes. However, a detailed mechanistic understanding is lacking for the regulation of Gln3p nucleocytoplasmic distribution. In this study, we applied a functional genomics approach to identify the nuclear transport factors for Gln3p. We found that yeast karyopherin alpha/Srp1p and Crm1p are required for the nuclear import and export of Gln3p, respectively. Similarly, the Ran GTPase pathway is also involved in the nuclear translocation of Gln3p. Finally, we show that Srp1p preferentially interacts with the hypophosphorylated versus the hyperphosphorylated Gln3p. These findings define a possible mechanism for regulated nucleocytoplasmic transport of Gln3p by phosphorylation in vivo.

Nuclear localization of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HMG protein NHP6A occurs by a Ran-independent nonclassical pathway

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae non-histone protein 6-A (NHP6A) is a member of the high-mobility group 1/2 protein family that bind and bend DNA of mixed sequence. NHP6A has only one high-mobility group 1/2 DNA binding domain and also requires a 16-amino-acid basic tail at its N-terminus for DNA binding. We show in this report that nuclear accumulation of NHP6A is strictly correlated with its DNA binding properties since only nonhistone protein 6 A-green fluorescent protein chimeras that were competent for DNA binding were localized to the nucleus. Despite the requirement for basic residues within the N-terminal segment for DNA binding and nuclear accumulation, this region does not appear to contain a nuclear localization signal. Moreover, NHP6A does not bind to the yeast nuclear localization signal receptor SRP1 and nuclear targeting of NHP6A does not require the function of the 14 different importins. Unlike histone H2B1 which contains a classical nuclear localization signal, entry of NHP6A into the nucleus was found to be independent of Ran as judged by coexpression of Ran GTPase mutants and was shown to occur at 0 degrees C after a 15-min induction. These unusual properties lead us to suggest that NHP6A entry into the nucleus proceeds by a nonclassical Ran-independent pathway.

Nup2p dynamically associates with the distal regions of the yeast nuclear pore complex

Nucleocytoplasmic transport is mediated by the interplay between soluble transport factors and nucleoporins resident within the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Understanding this process demands knowledge of components of both the soluble and stationary phases and the interface between them. Here, we provide evidence that Nup2p, previously considered to be a typical yeast nucleoporin that binds import- and export-bound karyopherins, dynamically associates with the NPC in a Ran-facilitated manner. When bound to the NPC, Nup2p associates with regions corresponding to the nuclear basket and cytoplasmic fibrils. On the nucleoplasmic face, where the Ran--GTP levels are predicted to be high, Nup2p binds to Nup60p. Deletion of NUP60 renders Nup2p nucleoplasmic and compromises Nup2p-mediated recycling of Kap60p/Srp1p. Depletion of Ran--GTP by metabolic poisoning, disruption of the Ran cycle, or in vitro by cell lysis, results in a shift of Nup2p from the nucleoplasm to the cytoplasmic face of the NPC. This mobility of Nup2p was also detected using heterokaryons where, unlike nucleoporins, Nup2p was observed to move from one nucleus to the other. Together, our data support a model in which Nup2p movement facilitates the transition between the import and export phases of nucleocytoplasmic transport.

A link between the synthesis of nucleoporins and the biogenesis of the nuclear envelope

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a multicomponent structure containing a subset of proteins that bind nuclear transport factors or karyopherins and mediate their movement across the nuclear envelope. By altering the expression of a single nucleoporin gene, NUP53, we showed that the overproduction of Nup53p altered nuclear transport and had a profound effect on the structure of the nuclear membrane. Strikingly, conventional and immunoelectron microscopy analysis revealed that excess Nup53p entered the nucleus and associated with the nuclear membrane. Here, Nup53p induced the formation of intranuclear, tubular membranes that later formed flattened, double membrane lamellae structurally similar to the nuclear envelope. Like the nuclear envelope, the intranuclear double membrane lamellae enclosed a defined cisterna that was interrupted by pores but, unlike the nuclear envelope pores, they lacked NPCs. Consistent with this observation, we detected only two NPC proteins, the pore membrane proteins Pom152p and Ndc1p, in association with these membrane structures. Thus, these pores likely represent an intermediate in NPC assembly. We also demonstrated that the targeting of excess Nup53p to the NPC and its specific association with intranuclear membranes were dependent on the karyopherin Kap121p and the nucleoporin Nup170p. At the nuclear envelope, the abilities of Nup53p to associate with the membrane and drive membrane proliferation were dependent on a COOH-terminal segment containing a potential amphipathic α-helix. The implications of these results with regards to the biogenesis of the nuclear envelope are discussed.

Kinetics and mechanism of DNA uptake into the cell nucleus

Gene transfer to eukaryotic cells requires the uptake of exogenous DNA into the cell nucleus. Except during mitosis, molecular access to the nuclear interior is limited to passage through the nuclear pores. Here we demonstrate the nuclear uptake of extended linear DNA molecules by a combination of fluorescence microscopy and single-molecule manipulation techniques, using the latter to follow uptake kinetics of individual molecules in real time. The assays were carried out on nuclei reconstituted in vitro from extracts of Xenopus eggs, which provide both a complete complement of biochemical factors involved in nuclear protein import, and unobstructed access to the nuclear pores. We find that uptake of DNA is independent of ATP or GTP hydrolysis, but is blocked by wheat germ agglutinin. The kinetics are much slower than would be expected from hydrodynamic considerations. A fit of the data to a simple model suggests femto-Newton forces and a large friction relevant to the uptake process.

Nuclear import of the yeast AP-1-like transcription factor Yap1p is mediated by transport receptor Pse1p, and this import step is not affected by oxidative stress

The yeast AP-1-like transcription factor, Yap1p, is essential for the oxidative stress response in budding yeast. Yap1p is located predominantly in the cytoplasm; however, upon imposition of oxidative stress, Yap1p concentrates in the nucleus and activates target genes. Yap1p is constitutively transported in and out of the nucleus. Oxidative stress inhibits the Crm1p/Xpo1p-dependent nuclear export step, resulting in nuclear accumulation of Yap1p. In this study, we examined the mechanism for Yap1p nuclear import, and determined whether the import step is affected by oxidative stress. The nuclear accumulation of Yap1p required the activity of the small GTPase, Ran/Gsp1p. Under conditions in pse1-1 cells carrying a temperature-sensitive mutation of the importin beta family member PSE1/KAP121, nuclear translocation of Yap1p was inhibited dramatically. In an in vitro assay, we showed that Yap1p could directly bind to Pse1p and that this interaction was dissociated by Ran-GTP. These results indicate that Pse1p is the nuclear import receptor for Yap1p. In addition to Pse1p, we suggest that Kap123p, which is homologous to Pse1p, has a minor effect on the nuclear import of Yap1p. Furthermore, we identified the nuclear localization signal of Yap1p and demonstrated that the nuclear import of Yap1p was not affected by oxidative stress.

A gamma-2 herpesvirus nucleocytoplasmic shuttle protein interacts with importin alpha 1 and alpha 5

Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) is the prototype gamma-2 herpesvirus. This is an increasing important subfamily of herpesviruses due to the identification of the first human gamma-2 herpesvirus, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. The HVS open reading frame (ORF) 57 protein is a multifunctional trans-regulatory protein homologous to genes identified in all classes of herpesviruses. Recent analysis has demonstrated that ORF 57 has the ability to bind viral RNA and to shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm, and is required for efficient nuclear export of viral transcripts. Here we have investigated the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling mechanism utilized by the ORF 57 protein. The yeast two-hybrid system was employed to identify interacting cellular proteins using ORF 57 as bait. We demonstrate that ORF 57 interacts with importin alpha isoforms 1 and 5. In addition, the binding of ORF 57 to importin alpha was mediated by the importin alpha hydrophobic internal armadillo repeats. An ORF 57 amino-terminal arginine-rich sequence, which functions as a nuclear localization sequence, was also required for this interaction. Furthermore, the ORF 57 protein is responsible for the redistribution of importin alpha into the nucleoli. These results identify novel cellular interactions essential for the functioning of this important herpesvirus regulatory protein.

Nuclear pores and nuclear assembly

Communication between the nucleus and cytoplasm occurs through large macromolecular structures, the nuclear pores. Quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy has estimated the mass of a nuclear pore to be 60 million Daltons in yeast and 120 million Daltons in vertebrates. The past two years were noteworthy in that they saw: 1) the purification of both the yeast and vertebrate nuclear pores, 2) the initial description of routes through the pore for specific transport receptors, 3) glimpses of intranuclear organization imposed by the nuclear pores and envelope and 4) the revelation of new and pivotal roles for the small GTPase Ran not only in nuclear import but in spindle assembly and nuclear membrane fusion.

Characterization of the nuclear import pathway for HIV-1 integrase

The karyophilic properties of the human immunodeficiency virus, type I (HIV-1) pre-integration complex (PIC) allow the virus to infect non-dividing cells. To better understand the mechanisms responsible for nuclear translocation of the PIC, we investigated nuclear import of HIV-1 integrase (IN), a PIC-associated viral enzyme involved in the integration of the viral genome in the host cell DNA. Accumulation of HIV-1 IN into nuclei of digitonin-permeabilized cells does not result from passive diffusion but rather from an active transport that occurs through the nuclear pore complexes. HIV-1 IN is imported by a saturable mechanism, implying that a limiting cellular factor is responsible for this process. Although IN has been previously proposed to contain classical basic nuclear localization signals, we found that nuclear accumulation of IN does not involve karyopherins alpha, beta1, and beta2-mediated pathways. Neither the non-hydrolyzable GTP analog, guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate), nor the GTP hydrolysis-deficient Ran mutant, RanQ69L, significantly affects nuclear import of IN, which depends instead on ATP hydrolysis. Therefore these results support the idea that IN import is not mediated by members of the karyopherin beta family. More generally, in vitro nuclear import of IN does not require addition of cytosolic factors, suggesting that cellular factor(s) involved in this active but atypical pathway process probably remain associated with the nuclear compartment or the nuclear pore complexes from permeabilized cells.

Nuclear import of the U1A splicesome protein is mediated by importin alpha /beta and Ran in living mammalian cells

U1A is a component of the uracil-rich small nuclear ribonucleoprotein. The molecular mechanism of nuclear import of U1A was investigated in vivo and in vitro. When recombinant deletion mutants of U1A are injected into the BHK21 cell cytoplasm, the nuclear localization signal (NLS) of U1A is found in the N-terminal half of the central domain (residues 100-144 in mouse U1A). In an in vitro assay, it was found that the U1A-NLS accumulated in only a portion of the nuclei in the absence of cytosolic extract. In contrast, the addition of importin alpha/beta and Ran induced the uniform nuclear accumulation of U1A-NLS in all cells. Furthermore, U1A was found to bind the C-terminal portion of importin alpha. In addition, the in vitro nuclear migration of full-length U1A was found to be exclusively dependent on importin alpha/beta and Ran. Moreover, in living cells, the full-length U1A accumulated in the nucleus in a Ran-dependent manner, and nuclear accumulation was inhibited by the importin beta binding domain of importin alpha. These results suggest that the nuclear import of U1A is mediated by at least two distinct pathways, an importin alpha/beta and Ran-dependent and an -independent pathway in permeabilized cells, and that the latter pathway may be suppressed in intact cells.

Germline and developmental roles of the nuclear transport factor importin (α)3 in C. elegans

The importin (α) family of transport factors mediates the nuclear import of classical nuclear localization signal-containing proteins. In order to understand how multiple importin (α) proteins are regulated both in individual cells and in a whole organism, the three importin (α) (ima) genes of Caenorhabditis elegans have been identified and studied. All three IMAs are expressed in the germline; however, only IMA-3 is expressed in the soma. RNA interference (RNAi) experiments demonstrate that IMA-3 is required for the progression of meiotic prophase I during oocyte development. Loss of IMA-3 expression leads also to a disruption of the nuclear pore complex accompanied by the mis-localization of P granules. A range of defects occurring in ima-3(RNAi) F(1) progeny further supports a role for IMA-3 during embryonic and larval development. The functional association of IMA-3 with distinct cellular events, its expression pattern and intracellular localization indicate that regulation of the nuclear transport machinery is involved in the control of developmental pathways.

Inhibition of nuclear import by protein kinase B (Akt) regulates the subcellular distribution and activity of the forkhead transcription factor AFX

AFX belongs to a subfamily of Forkhead transcription factors that are phosphorylated by protein kinase B (PKB), also known as Akt. Phosphorylation inhibits the transcriptional activity of AFX and changes the steady-state localization of the protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Our goal was threefold: to identify the cellular compartment in which PKB phosphorylates AFX, to determine whether the nuclear localization of AFX plays a role in regulating its transcriptional activity, and to elucidate the mechanism by which phosphorylation alters the localization of AFX. We show that phosphorylation of AFX by PKB occurs in the nucleus. In addition, nuclear export mediated by the export receptor, Crm1, is required for the inhibition of AFX transcriptional activity. Both phosphorylated and unphosphorylated AFX, however, bind Crm1 and can be exported from the nucleus. These results suggest that export is unregulated and that phosphorylation by PKB is not required for the nuclear export of AFX. We show that AFX enters the nucleus by an active, Ran-dependent mechanism. Amino acids 180 to 221 of AFX comprise a nonclassical nuclear localization signal (NLS). S193, contained within this atypical NLS, is a PKB-dependent phosphorylation site on AFX. Addition of a negative charge at S193 by mutating the residue to glutamate reduces nuclear accumulation. PKB-mediated phosphorylation of AFX, therefore, attenuates the import of the transcription factor, which shifts the localization of the protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and results in the inhibition of AFX transcriptional activity.