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The human homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gle1p is required for poly(A)+ RNA export.

The mechanism of mRNA export is a complex issue central to cellular physiology. We characterized previously yeast Gle1p, a protein with a leucine-rich (LR) nuclear export sequence (NES) that is essential for poly(A)+ RNA export in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To characterize elements of the vertebrate mRNA export pathway, we identified a human homologue of yeast Gle1p and analyzed its function in mammalian cells. hGLE1 encodes a predicted 75-kDa polypeptide with high sequence homology to yeast Gle1p, but hGle1p does not contain a sequence motif matching any of the previously characterized NESs. hGLE1 can complement a yeast gle1 temperature-sensitive export mutant only if a LR-NES is inserted into it. To determine whether hGle1p played a role in nuclear export, anti-hGle1p antibodies were microinjected into HeLa cells. In situ hybridization of injected cells showed that poly(A)+ RNA export was inhibited. In contrast, there was no effect on the nuclear import of a glucocorticoid receptor reporter. We conclude that hGle1p functions in poly(A)+ RNA export, and that human cells facilitate such export with a factor similar to yeast but without a recognizable LR-NES. With hGle1p localized at the nuclear pore complexes, hGle1p is positioned to act at a terminal step in the export of mature RNA messages to the cytoplasm.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A novel family of nuclear transport receptors mediates the export of messenger RNA to the cytoplasm.

Fully processed mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm where they direct protein synthesis. A general feature of mRNA export is that it is an active, receptor-mediated process. The mRNA export receptors are thought to recognize and bind to the mRNA-export cargoes either directly or indirectly (via adaptor proteins) and facilitate their translocation across the central channel of the nuclear pore complex (NPC). On the cytoplasmic side of the NPC, the exported mRNA is released and the receptor returns to the nucleoplasm, without the cargo, to initiate additional rounds of export. Recent, studies in yeast and in higher eukaryotes have led to the elucidation of an evolutionarily conserved pathway for the export of bulk mRNA to the cytoplasm.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Intracellular distribution of an integral nuclear pore membrane protein fused to green fluorescent protein--localization of a targeting domain.

The 121-kDa pore membrane protein (POM121) is a bitopic integral membrane protein specifically located in the pore membrane domain of the nuclear envelope with its short N-terminal tail exposed on the luminal side and its major C-terminal portion adjoining the nuclear pore complex. In order to locate a signal for targeting of POM121 to the nuclear pores, we overexpressed selected regions of POM121 alone or fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) in transiently transfected COS-1 cells or in a stably transfected neuroblastoma cell line. Microscopic analysis of the GFP fluorescence or immunostaining was used to determine the intracellular distribution of the overexpressed proteins. The endofluorescent GFP tag had no effect on the distribution of POM121, since the chimerical POM121-GFP fusion protein was correctly targeted to the nuclear pores of both COS-1 cells and neuroblastoma cells. Based on the differentiated intracellular sorting of the POM121 variants, we conclude that the first 128 amino acids of POM121 contains signals for targeting to the continuous endoplasmic reticulum/nuclear envelope membrane system but not specifically to the nuclear pores and that a specific nuclear pore targeting signal is located between amino acids 129 and 618 in the endoplasmically exposed portion of POM121.

Animals↗

Functional modulation of parkin through physical interaction with SUMO-1.

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by the extensive and progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the CNS substantia nigra pars compacta region. Mutations in the parkin gene, which encodes for E3 ubiquitin ligase, have been implicated in autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism, an early-onset and common familial form of PD. Although several parkin substrates have already been identified, the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of enzymatic activity of parkin has yet to be clarified. In a previous study, we demonstrated that RanBP2 becomes a new target for parkin E3 ubiquitin ligase and is processed via parkin-mediated ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. RanBP2, which is localized in the cytoplasmic filament of the nuclear pore complex, belongs to the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase family. Here we show that parkin appears to bind selectively to the SUMO-1 in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the physical association of SUMO-1 with parkin results in an increase in the nuclear transport of parkin as well as its self-ubiquitination. Our findings suggest that the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of parkin and its intracellular localization may be modulated through the SUMO-1 association.

Animals↗

ALADINI482S causes selective failure of nuclear protein import and hypersensitivity to oxidative stress in triple A syndrome.

Triple A syndrome is an autosomal recessive neuroendocrinological disease caused by mutations in a gene that encodes 546 amino acid residues. The encoded protein is the nucleoporin ALADIN, a component of nuclear pore complex (NPC). We identified a mutant ALADIN(I482S) that fails to target NPC and investigated the consequences of mistargeting using cultured fibroblasts (I482Sf) from a patient with triple A syndrome. ALADIN(I482S) affected a karyopherin-alpha/beta-mediated import pathway and decreased nuclear accumulations of aprataxin (APTX), a repair protein for DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs), and of DNA ligase I in I482Sf. This decrease was restored by wild-type ALADIN. ALADIN(I482S) had no effect on imports of M9/kap-beta2, BIB/kap-beta3, histone H1/importin 7, the ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UbcM2/importin 11, or the spliceosome protein U1A, indicating that ALADIN(I482S) selectively impaired transport of discrete import complexes through NPC. Cell survival assay showed hypersensitivity of I482Sf to l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), a glutathione-depleting agent. BSO decreased nuclear APTX and ligase I levels in I482Sf and normal control fibroblasts, but increased SSBs only in I482Sf. These observations implied that I482Sf are hypersensitive to BSO and no longer sufficiently repair SSBs. Consistent with this notion, I482Sf transfected with both APTX and ligase I had increased resistance to BSO, whereas I482Sf transfected with LacZ vector remained hypersensitive to BSO. We propose that oxidative stress aggravates nuclear import failure, which is already compromised in patient cells. Consequent DNA damage, beyond the limited capacity of DNA repair proteins, i.e., APTX and ligase I, may participate in triggering cell death.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Nucleocytoplasmic transport and nuclear envelope integrity in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

The nuclear envelope is essential for compartmentalizing the nucleus from the cytoplasm in all eukaryotic cells. There is a tremendous flux of both RNA and proteins across the nuclear envelope, which is intact throughout the entire cell cycle of yeasts but breaks down during mitosis of animal cells. Transport across the nuclear envelope requires the recognition of cargo molecules by receptors, docking at the nuclear pore, transit through the nuclear pore, and then dissociation of the cargo from the receptor. This process depends on the RanGTPase system, transport receptors, and the nuclear pore complex. We provide an overview of the nuclear transport process, with particular emphasis on the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, including strategies for predicting and experimentally verifying the signals that determine the sub-cellular localization of a protein of interest. We also describe a variety of reagents and experimental strategies, including the use of mutants and chemical inhibitors, to study nuclear protein import, nuclear protein export, nucleocytoplasmic protein shuttling, and mRNA export in fission yeast. The RanGTPase and its regulators also play an essential transport independent role in nuclear envelope re-assembly after mitosis in animal cells and in the maintenance of nuclear envelope integrity at mitosis in S. pombe. Several experimental strategies and reagents for studying nuclear size, nuclear shape, the localization of nuclear pores, and the integrity of the nuclear envelope in living fission yeast cells are described.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Imaging nuclear pores of aldosterone-sensitive kidney cells by atomic force microscopy.

In nuclei of renal target cells, aldosterone enhances transcriptional activity followed by the translocation of specific RNA molecules across the nuclear envelope. Trafficking between cell nucleus and cytoplasm occurs via nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) located in the double-layered nuclear envelope. We investigated the nucleocytoplasmic transport route by structure-function analysis at subcellular level in quiescent and aldosterone-stimulated cells. With atomic-force microscopy (AFM) we imaged individual pores of the nuclear surface of cultured kidney cells and related the number of pores per micron2 to nuclear envelope conductance (Gn, per micron2) evaluated electrically by current injection into the isolated nucleus. NPCs were equally distributed resembling "donut-like" structures with outer diameters of 134 +/- 12 nm (n = 50), each equipped with a central channel. Six hours of aldosterone exposure (0.1 microM) increased the number of NPCs per micron 2 of nuclear surface from 7.4 +/- 0.4 to 9.8 +/- 0.4 (n = 12; P < 0.01). At the same time Gn rose from 6900 +/- 520 to 9600 +/- 610 pS/micron2 paralleled by an increase of the intranuclear electrical potential from -2.8 +/- 0.2 to -6.2 +/- 0.4 mV (n = 18; P < 0.01). Assuming that NPCs represent the sole conductive pathway in the nuclear envelope, we calculate a mean single NPC conductance of 932 and 980 pS, in the absence and presence of aldosterone, respectively. We conclude that aldosterone facilitates nucleocytoplasmic transport by increasing the number of NPCs but not by modifying their biophysical properties. Possibly, aldosterone controls similar transport mechanisms in both plasma membrane and nuclear envelope.

Aldosterone↗

New ways to skin a kap: mechanisms for controlling nuclear transport.

Transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm occurs through large macromolecular assemblies called nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). The NPC is traditionally viewed as a passive structure whose primary role is to provide an interface for the soluble transport machinery, the karyopherins and their cargos, to move molecules between these compartments. Recent work has challenged this view of the NPC and provides support for a dynamic structure that can modify its architecture to actively regulate nuclear transport.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Mapping sites of O-GlcNAc modification using affinity tags for serine and threonine post-translational modifications.

Identifying sites of post-translational modifications on proteins is a major challenge in proteomics. O-Linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a dynamic nucleocytoplasmic modification more analogous to phosphorylation than to classical complex O-glycosylation. We describe a mass spectrometry-based method for the identification of sites modified by O-GlcNAc that relies on mild beta-elimination followed by Michael addition with dithiothreitol (BEMAD). Using synthetic peptides, we also show that biotin pentylamine can replace dithiothreitol as the nucleophile. The modified peptides can be efficiently enriched by affinity chromatography, and the sites can be mapped using tandem mass spectrometry. This same methodology can be applied to mapping sites of serine and threonine phosphorylation, and we provide a strategy that uses modification-specific antibodies and enzymes to discriminate between the two post-translational modifications. The BEMAD methodology was validated by mapping three previously identified O-GlcNAc sites, as well as three novel sites, on Synapsin I purified from rat brain. BEMAD was then used on a purified nuclear pore complex preparation to map novel sites of O-GlcNAc modification on the Lamin B receptor and the nucleoporin Nup155. This method is amenable for performing quantitative mass spectrometry and can also be adapted to quantify cysteine residues. In addition, our studies emphasize the importance of distinguishing between O-phosphate versus O-GlcNAc when mapping sites of serine and threonine post-translational modification using beta-elimination/Michael addition methods.

Acetylglucosamine↗

SUMO modification of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins.

Small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMOs) are proteins that are posttranslationally conjugated to other cellular proteins, particularly those that localize and function in the nucleus. Enzymes regulating SUMO modification localize in part to nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), indicating that modification of some proteins may occur as they are translocated between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Substrates that are regulated by SUMO modification at NPCs, however, have not been previously identified. Among the most abundant cargos transported through NPCs are the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). HnRNPs are involved in various aspects of mRNA biogenesis, including regulation of pre-mRNA splicing and nuclear export. Here, we demonstrate that two subsets of hnRNPs, the hnRNP C and M proteins, are substrates for SUMO modification. We demonstrate that the hnRNP C proteins are modified by SUMO at a single lysine residue, K237, and that SUMO modification at this site decreases their binding to nucleic acids. We also show that Nup358, a SUMO E3 ligase associated with the cytoplasmic fibrils of NPCs, enhances the SUMO modification of the hnRNP C and M proteins. Based on our findings, we propose that SUMO modification of the hnRNP C and M proteins may occur at NPCs and facilitate the nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNAs.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Nucleocytoplasmic protein traffic and its significance to cell function.

In eukaryotic cells, cell functions are maintained in an orderly manner through the continuous traffic of various proteins between the cell nucleus and the cytoplasm. The nuclear import and export of proteins occurs through nuclear pore complexes and typically requires specific signals: the nuclear localization signal and nuclear export signal, respectively. The transport pathways have been found to be highly divergent, but are known to be largely mediated by importin beta-like transport receptor family molecules. These receptor molecules bind to and carry their cargoes directly or via adapter molecules. A small GTPase Ran ensures the directionality of nuclear transport by regulating the interaction between the receptors and their cargoes through its GTP/GDP cycle. Moreover, it has been recently elucidated how the transport system is involved in various functions of cell physiology, such as cell cycle control.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Nuclear protein import: Ran-GTP dissociates the karyopherin alphabeta heterodimer by displacing alpha from an overlapping binding site on beta.

The alpha subunit of the karyopherin heterodimer functions in recognition of the protein import substrate and the beta subunit serves to dock the trimeric complex to one of many sites on nuclear pore complex fibers. The small GTPase Ran and the Ran interactive protein, p10, function in the release of the docked complex. Repeated cycles of docking and release are thought to concentrate the transport substrate for subsequent diffusion into the nucleus. Ran-GTP dissociates the karyopherin heterodimer and forms a stoichiometric complex with Ran-GTP. Here we report the mapping of karyopherin beta's binding sites both for Ran-GTP and for karyopherin alpha. We discovered that karyopherin beta's binding site for Ran-GTP shows a striking sequence similarity to the cytoplasmic Ran-GTP binding protein, RanBP1. Moreover, we found that Ran-GTP and karyopherin alpha bind to overlapping sites on karyopherin beta. Having a higher affinity to the overlapping site, Ran-GTP displaces karyopherin alpha and binds to karyopherin beta. Competition for overlapping binding sites may be the mechanism by which GTP bound forms of other small GTPases function in corresponding dissociation-association reactions. We also mapped Ran's binding site for karyopherin beta to a cluster of basic residues analogous to those previously shown to constitute karyopherin alpha's binding site to karyopherin beta.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Functional domains in nuclear import factor p97 for binding the nuclear localization sequence receptor and the nuclear pore.

The interaction of the nuclear protein import factor p97 with the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) receptor, the nuclear pore complex, and Ran/TC4 is important for coordinating the events of protein import to the nucleus. We have mapped the binding domains on p97 for the NLS receptor and the nuclear pore. The NLS receptor-binding domain of p97 maps to the C-terminal 60% of the protein between residues 356 and 876. The pore complex-binding domain of p97 maps to residues 152-352. The pore complex-binding domain overlaps the Ran-GTP- and Ran-GDP-binding domains on p97, but only Ran-GTP competes for docking in permeabilized cells. The N-ethylmaleimide sensitivity of the p97 for docking was investigated and found to be due to inhibition of p97 binding to the pore complex and to the NLS receptor. Site-directed mutagenesis of conserved cysteine residues in the pore- and receptor-binding domains identified two cysteines, C223 and C228, that were required for p97 to bind the nuclear pore. Inhibition studies on docking and accumulation of a NLS protein provided additional evidence that the domains identified biochemically are the functional domains involved in protein import. Together, these results suggest that Ran-GTP dissociates the receptor complex and prevents p97 binding to the pore by inducing a conformational change in the structure of p97 rather than simple competition for binding sites.

Binding Sites↗

Exportin 6: a novel nuclear export receptor that is specific for profilin.actin complexes.

Active macromolecular transport between the nucleus and cytoplasm proceeds through nuclear pore complexes and is mostly mediated by transport receptors of the importin beta-superfamily. Here we identify exportin 6 (Exp6) as a novel family member from higher eukaryotes and show that it mediates nuclear export of profilin.actin complexes. Exp6 appears to contact primarily actin, but the interaction is greatly enhanced by the presence of profilin. Profilin thus functions not only as the nucleotide exchange factor for actin, but can also be regarded as a cofactor of actin export and hence as a suppressor of actin polymerization in the nucleus. Even though human and Drosophila Exp6 share only approximately 20% identical amino acid residues, their function in profilin.actin export is conserved. A knock-down of Drosophila Exp6 by RNA interference abolishes nuclear exclusion of actin and results in the appearance of nuclear actin paracrystals. In contrast to a previous report, we found no indications of a major and direct role for CRM1 in actin export from mammalian or insect nuclei.

Actins↗

The plant nuclear envelope.

This review summarizes our present knowledge about the composition and function of the plant nuclear envelope. Compared with animals or yeast, our molecular understanding of the nuclear envelope in higher plants is in its infancy. However, fundamental differences in the structure and function of the plant and animal nuclear envelope have already been found. Here, we compare and contrast these differences with respect to nuclear pore complexes, targeting of Ran signaling to the nuclear envelope, inner nuclear envelope proteins, and the role and fate of the nuclear envelope during mitosis. Further investigation of the emerging fundamental differences as well as the similarities between kingdoms might illuminate why there appears to be more than one blueprint for building a nucleus.

Cell Cycle↗

Binding dynamics of isolated nucleoporin repeat regions to importin-beta.

The nuclear pore complex, through the interaction of its proteins with transport receptors, controls the transport of large molecules into and out of the cell's nucleus. There is ample evidence for proteins with FG sequence repeats playing an essential role in this control. Previous studies have elucidated binding spots for FG sequence repeats on the surface of the transport receptor importin-beta by X-ray crystallography and mutational studies. Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to characterize the interaction of FG sequence repeats with the transport receptor. Observed binding spots have been verified and novel sites discovered, suggesting that importin-beta features many more binding spots than suspected so far. The observed binding spots are in accord with several models of nucleocytoplasmic transport, and the large number of binding spots on importin-beta may be necessary for the pore complex to distinguish between importin-beta and inert proteins, and to allow for its passage through the pore.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Nuclear export of mRNA: from the site of transcription to the cytoplasm.

Cellular mRNAs are produced in the nucleus and must be exported to the cytoplasm to allow for their translation into proteins. Recruitment of export factors to nascent mRNA starts cotranscriptionally and involves elaborate systems of quality control. Correctly processed mRNAs are committed for export in the form of large ribonucleoprotein complexes (mRNPs). Translocation of mRNPs through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) is mediated by a conserved heterodimeric transport receptor (NXF1/p15 in metazoa and Mex67p/Mtr2p in yeast) that bridges the interaction between the mRNP and the NPC. In this review, we describe the cis- and trans-requirements for mRNA export as well as the different mechanisms of recruiting export factors to mRNPs. We also discuss the significance of linking mRNA export with both downstream and upstream events in gene expression.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Nuclear envelope, nuclear lamina, and inherited disease.

The nuclear envelope is composed of the nuclear membranes, nuclear lamina, and nuclear pore complexes. In recent years, mutations in nuclear-envelope proteins have been shown to cause a surprisingly wide array of inherited diseases. While the mutant proteins are generally expressed in most or all differentiated somatic cells, many mutations cause fairly tissue-specific disorders. Perhaps the most dramatic case is that of mutations in A-type lamins, intermediate filament proteins associated with the inner nuclear membrane. Different mutations in the same lamin proteins have been shown to cause striated muscle diseases, partial lipodystrophy syndromes, a peripheral neuropathy, and disorders with features of severe premature aging. In this review, we summarize fundamental aspects of nuclear envelope structure and function, the inherited diseases caused by mutations in lamins and other nuclear envelope proteins, and possible pathogenic mechanisms.

Animals↗