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Nucleocytoplasmic translocation of Stat1 is regulated by a leucine-rich export signal in the coiled-coil domain.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) proteins are latent transcription factors that reside in the cytoplasm before activation. On cytokine-induced tyrosine phosphorylation, these molecules dimerize and accumulate transiently in the nucleus. No specific signals mediating these processes have been identified to date. In this report, we examine the nuclear export of Stat1. We find that treatment of cells with the export inhibitor leptomycin B does not affect steady-state localization of Stat1 but impedes nuclear export after IFNgamma-induced nuclear accumulation. We identify a conserved leucine-rich helical segment in the coiled-coil domain of Stat1, which is responsible for the efficient nuclear export of this protein. Mutation of two hallmark leucines within this segment greatly attenuate the back transport of Stat1 in the cytoplasm. When fused to a carrier protein, the Stat1 export sequence can mediate nuclear export after intranuclear microinjection. We show that prolonging the nuclear presence of Stat1 by inhibiting nuclear export reduces the transcriptional response to stimulation with IFNgamma. These data suggest that Stats are actively exported from the nucleus via several separate pathways and link this activity to transcriptional activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Regulated nuclear trafficking of the homeodomain protein otx1 in cortical neurons.

Otx1 is a homeodomain protein required for axon refinement by layer 5 neurons in developing cerebral cortex. Otx1 localizes to the cytoplasm of progenitor cells in the rat ventricular zone, and remains cytoplasmic as neurons migrate and begin to differentiate. Nuclear translocation occurs during the first week of postnatal life, when layer 5 neurons begin pruning their long-distance axonal projections. Deletion analysis reveals that Otx1 is imported actively into cell nuclei, that the N-terminus of Otx1 is necessary for nuclear import, and that a putative nuclear localization sequence within this domain is sufficient to direct nuclear import in a variety of cell lines. In contrast, GFP-Otx1 fusion proteins that contain the N-terminus are retained in the cytoplasm of cortical progenitor cells, mimicking the distribution of Otx1 in vivo. These results suggest that ventricular cells actively sequester Otx1 in the cytoplasm, either by preventing nuclear import or by promoting a balance of export over import signals.

3T3 Cells↗

Geldanamycin, an inhibitor of Hsp90, blocks cytoplasmic retention of progesterone receptors and glucocorticoid receptors via their respective ligand binding domains.

Steroid hormone receptors (SHRs), such as glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and progesterone receptors (PR), are shuttling proteins that undergo continuous nuclear import and export. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the localization of SHRs. It has been suggested that the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of SHRs is important in determining the subcellular localization. We have studied the localization of GR-LBD and PR-LBD alone, as well as of full-length GR and PR in the presence of geldanamycin (GA), a benzoquinoid ansamycin that specifically inhibits heat shock protection (Hsp90), using transient transfections and fluorescent microscopy. Our studies have indicated that GR-LBD and PR-LBD are retained in the cytoplasm via interaction with Hsp90. It was observed that in the unliganded state, treatment with GA translocates these LBDs to the nucleus. Similar results were obtained for full-length PR and GR. Additionally, it was found that after ligand induction, GA accelerated reexport of SHRs after ligand washout, implicating Hsp90 in nuclear retention of SHRs in the washout state. We also propose that a recently found "export" signal present in the LBD of SHRs is involved in interactions with Hsp90 and hence cytoplasmic retention of these receptors. After ligand induction, Hsp90 also may play a role in nuclear retention of SHRs following hormone washout.

Animals↗

A combination anti-HIV-1 gene therapy approach using a single transcription unit that expresses antisense, decoy, and sense RNAs, and trans-dominant negative mutant Gag and Env proteins.

Oncoretroviral vectors were engineered to allow constitutive expression of an antisense RNA and the trans-activator of transcription (Tat)-inducible expression of a mRNA containing the trans-activation response (TAR) element, the Rev response element (RRE), and the efficient packaging signal (Psi(e) of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) RNA. Nuclear export of this mRNA by the regulator of expression of virion proteins (Rev) would allow its translation into wild type (WT) (MoTN-Ti-GE-Ri- Ter) or trans-dominant negative mutant (TDM) (MoTN-Ti-GmEm-Ri-Ter) Gag and Env proteins. Thus, the antisense RNA produced in a constitutive manner would ensure that even if there is leaky expression, no WT/TDM Gag or Env protein would be produced in the uninfected cells. If cells become infected by HIV-1, the antisense RNA would inhibit HIV-1 replication. Failure on the part of antisense RNA to inhibit virus replication would allow GE/GmEm mRNA production. The GE/GmEm mRNA would cause partial inhibition of HIV-1 replication as it contains the TAR, RRE, and Psi(e) signal sequences. Translation of GmEm mRNA would give rise to TDM Gag and Env proteins, which would further decrease progeny virus infectivity. Tat- and Rev-inducibility was demonstrated in transfected HeLa and HeLa-Tev cells. Full-length WT/TDM Gag production was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Amphotropic vector particles were used to transduce a human CD4+ T-lymphoid cell line, and the stable transductants were challenged with HIV-1. Virus replication was better inhibited by the MoTN-Ti-GE-Ri-Ter vector than by the MoTN-Ti-GmEm-Ri-Ter vector. Inhibition of HIV-1 replication was also demonstrated in transduced CD4+ human peripheral blood T lymphocytes (PBLs). Moreover, our results suggest that cloning in the reverse transcriptional orientation must be avoided to prevent antisense RNA-mediated inhibition of transgene and endogenous gene expression.

Cell Line↗

Two motifs essential for nuclear import of the hnRNP A1 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling sequence M9 core.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1 regulates mRNA genesis. It shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Its shuttling signal is a 38-residue sequence M9. We studied the nuclear import and export of M9 by mutational analysis. Heterokaryon assay indicated that the 19-residue sequence SNFGPMKGGNFGGRSSGPY (M9 core) is necessary and sufficient for shuttling. Moreover, M9 core mutation revealed that in addition to the hitherto characterized N-terminal motif SNFGPMK, the C-terminal motif PY is crucial for nuclear import as well as for binding to transportin. Key residues of the motifs are conserved in the shuttling signals of hnRNP D and JKTBP.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Armadillo nuclear import is regulated by cytoplasmic anchor Axin and nuclear anchor dTCF/Pan.

Drosophila melanogaster Armadillo plays two distinct roles during development. It is a component of adherens junctions, and functions as a transcriptional activator in response to Wingless signaling. In the current model, Wingless signal causes stabilization of cytoplasmic Armadillo allowing it to enter the nucleus where it can activate transcription. However, the mechanism of nuclear import and export remains to be elucidated. In this study, we show that two gain-of-function alleles of Armadillo activate Wingless signaling by different mechanisms. The S10 allele was previously found to localize to the nucleus, where it activates transcription. In contrast, the Delta Arm allele localizes to the plasma membrane, and forces endogenous Arm into the nucleus. Therefore, Delta Arm is dependent on the presence of a functional endogenous allele of arm to activate transcription. We show that Delta Arm may function by titrating Axin protein to the membrane, suggesting that it acts as a cytoplasmic anchor keeping Arm out of the nucleus. In axin mutants, Arm is localized to the nuclei. We find that nuclear retention is dependent on dTCF/Pangolin. This suggests that cellular distribution of Arm is controlled by an anchoring system, where various nuclear and cytoplasmic binding partners determine its localization.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Polyuridylated mRNA synthesized by a recombinant influenza virus is defective in nuclear export.

The poly(A) tail of influenza virus mRNA is synthesized by reiterative copying of a U track near the 5' end of the virion RNA (vRNA) template by the viral RNA polymerase. We have engineered a novel influenza A/WSN/33 virus which contains a neuraminidase (NA) vRNA with its U track mutated into an A track. Instead of synthesizing poly(A)-tailed NA mRNA, this novel virus synthesizes poly(U)-tailed NA mRNA. In infected cells, most poly(U)-tailed NA mRNA was retained in the nucleus, while most control polyadenylated NA mRNA was transported to the cytoplasm. These results suggest that the poly(A) tail is important for efficient nuclear export of NA mRNA. The mutant virus produced a reduced amount of NA and showed an attenuated phenotype, suggesting that poly(A) signal mutants of this type might be useful as potential live attenuated virus vaccines. In addition, this virus mutant might provide a useful model to further elucidate the basic mechanisms of mRNA nuclear export.

Animals↗

Exportin 1-independent nuclear export of GAPDH.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a key enzyme of the glycolytic pathway. Recent studies have demonstrated an additional role in apoptosis: GAPDH is targeted to the nucleus during apoptotic signalling. This nuclear transport has also been observed in serum-depleted cells, but it is reversible in fibroblasts, in contrast to apoptotic-induced transport (Eur J Cell Biol 80 (2001) 419). Here, we analyse the serum depletion-induced transport processes of GAPDH in NIH 3T3 cells. Prolonged serum depletion did not cause cell death, nuclear fragmentation (hoechst staining) or a significant increase in DNA strand-breaks (comet assay). Using cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged GAPDH allowed us to monitor its intracellular localisation by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Treatment of cells with the exportin1 inhibitor leptomycin B (LMB) did not influence cytoplasmic localisation of GFP-GAPDH, indicating that nuclear targeting of GAPDH is not constitutive and may be altered via a serum-dependent regulatory export process. Suprisingly, the export of nuclear GFP-GAPDH after re-addition of serum to starved cells was not prevented by LMB. Thus, nuclear export of GAPDH upon serum depletion is not mediated by exportin1.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

The nucleoporin Nup214 sequesters CRM1 at the nuclear rim and modulates NFkappaB activation in Drosophila.

CRM1-mediated protein export is an important determinant of the nuclear accumulation of many gene regulators. Here, we show that the NFkappaB transcription factor Dorsal is a substrate of CRM1 and requires the nucleoporin Nup214 for its nuclear translocation upon signaling. Nup214 bound to CRM1 directly and anchored it to the nuclear envelope. In nup214 mutants CRM1 accumulated in the nucleus and NES-protein export was enhanced. Nup214 formed complexes with Nup88 and CRM1 in vivo and Nup214 protected Nup88 from degradation at the nuclear rim. In turn, Nup88 was sufficient for targeting the complex to the nuclear pores. Overexpression experiments indicated that Nup214 alone attracts a fraction of CRM1 to the nuclear envelope but does not interfere with NES-GFP export. By contrast, overexpression of the Nup214-Nup88 complex trapped CRM1 and Dorsal to cytoplasmic foci and inhibited protein export and immune response activation. We hypothesize that variation in levels of the Nup214-Nup88 complex at the pore changes the amount of NPC-bound CRM1 and influences the relative strength and duration of NFkappaB signaling responses.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Axin is a scaffold protein in TGF-beta signaling that promotes degradation of Smad7 by Arkadia.

TGF-beta signaling involves a wide array of signaling molecules and multiple controlling events. Scaffold proteins create a functional proximity of signaling molecules and control the specificity of signal transduction. While many components involved in the TGF-beta pathway have been elucidated, little is known about how those components are coordinated by scaffold proteins. Here, we show that Axin activates TGF-beta signaling by forming a multimeric complex consisting of Smad7 and ubiquitin E3 ligase Arkadia. Axin depends on Arkadia to facilitate TGF-beta signaling, as their small interfering RNAs reciprocally abolished the stimulatory effect on TGF-beta signaling. Specific knockdown of Axin or Arkadia revealed that Axin and Arkadia cooperate with each other in promoting Smad7 ubiquitination. Pulse-chase experiments further illustrated that Axin significantly decreased the half-life of Smad7. Axin also induces nuclear export of Smad7. Interestingly, Axin associates with Arkadia and Smad7 independently of TGF-beta signal, in contrast to its transient association with inactive Smad3. However, coexpression of Wnt-1 reduced Smad7 ubiquitination by downregulating Axin levels, underscoring the importance of Axin as an intrinsic regulator in TGF-beta signaling.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Nuclear Ca2+ and CaM kinase IV specify hormonal- and Notch-responsiveness.

Many neuronal processes require gene activation by synaptically evoked Ca(2+) transients. Ca(2+)-dependent signal pathways activate some transcription factors outright, but here we report that such signals also potentiate the activation of nuclear receptors by their cognate hormone, and of CBF1 by Notch, transcription factors hitherto not thought to be Ca(2+)-responsive. This potentiation is occluded by histone deacetylase inhibition, indicating a mechanism involving inactivation of co-repressors associated with these transcription factors. Synaptic activity, acting via the nuclear Ca(2+)-dependent activation of CaM kinase IV, triggers the disruption of subnuclear domains containing class II histone deacetylases (HDACs) and silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT), a broad-specificity co-repressor which represses nuclear hormone receptors and CBF1. The sequential loss of class II HDACs and SMRT from the subnuclear domains, followed by nuclear export, is associated with disruption of SMRT interaction with its target transcription factors and sensitization of these factors to their activating signal. Counterbalancing these changes, protein phosphatase 1 promotes nuclear localization of SMRT and inactivation of nuclear receptors and CBF1. Thus, the synaptically controlled kinase-phosphatase balance of the neuron determines the efficacy of SMRT-mediated repression and the signal-responsiveness of a variety of transcription factors.

4-Aminopyridine↗

Subcellular localization and mechanisms of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of steroid receptor coactivator-1.

Steroid hormone receptors are ligand-stimulated transcription factors that modulate gene transcription by recruiting coregulators to gene promoters. Subcellular localization and dynamic movements of transcription factors have been shown to be one of the major means of regulating their transcriptional activity. In the present report we describe the subcellular localization and the dynamics of intracellular trafficking of steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1). After its synthesis in the cytoplasm, SRC-1 is imported into the nucleus, where it activates transcription and is subsequently exported back to the cytoplasm. In both the nucleus and cytoplasm, SRC-1 is localized in speckles. The characterization of SRC-1 nuclear localization sequence reveals that it is a classic bipartite signal localized in the N-terminal region of the protein, between amino acids 18 and 36. This sequence is highly conserved within the other members of the p160 family. Additionally, SRC-1 nuclear export is inhibited by leptomycin B. The region involved in its nuclear export is localized between amino acids 990 and 1038. It is an unusually large domain differing from the classic leucine-rich NES sequences. Thus SRC-1 nuclear export involves either an alternate type of NES or is dependent on the interaction of SRC-1 with a protein, which is exported through the crm1/exportin pathway. Overall, the intracellular trafficking of SRC-1 might be a mechanism to regulate the termination of hormone action, the interaction with other signaling pathways in the cytoplasm and its degradation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The role of science in treaty verification.

Technologically advanced nations are currently applying more science to treaty verification than ever before. Satellites gather a multitude of information relating to proliferation concerns using thermal imaging analysis, nuclear radiation measurements, and optical and radio frequency signals detection. Ground stations gather complementary signals such as seismic events and radioactive emissions. Export controls in many countries attempt to intercept materials and technical means that could be used for nuclear proliferation. Nevertheless, we have witnessed a plethora of nuclear proliferation episodes, that were undetected (or were belatedly detected) by these technologies--the Indian nuclear tests in 1998, the Libyan nuclear buildup, the Iranian enrichment program and the North Korea nuclear weapons program are some prime examples. In this talk, we will discuss some of the technologies used for proliferation detection. In particular, we will note some of the issues relating to nuclear materials control agreements that epitomize political difficulties as they impact the implementation of science and technology.

International Cooperation↗

Endothelial cells stimulate T cell NFAT nuclear translocation in the presence of cyclosporin A: involvement of the wnt/glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta pathway.

T cells resistant to the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A (CsA) may be important mediators of chronic graft rejection. We previously reported that T cells activated in the presence of endothelial cells (EC) develop resistance to CsA, and initiate IL-2 secretion within 8-12 h of triggering. CsA normally blocks the phosphatase, calcineurin, thus preventing nuclear translocation of the transcription factor, NFAT. We find that in the presence but not the absence of EC, NFAT1 can be detected in the nuclei of CsA-treated T cells within 8 h of triggering, reaching a maximal level of 60% of control by 24 h. Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), which rephosphorylates NFAT and promotes nuclear export, is inhibited by EC costimulation. GSK-3beta is a component of the wnt signaling pathway, and EC express wnt-5a and T cells express frizzled-5, a wnt-5a receptor. Wnt-5a promotes T cell NFAT nuclear accumulation in the presence of CsA, an effect mimicked by Li(+), a potent inhibitor of GSK-3beta. The protein kinase C agonist PMA dramatically synergizes with both EC and wnt-5a in stimulating T cell IL-2 synthesis, and inhibition of either protein kinase C by Ro-31-8425 or G-proteins by pertussis toxin effectively blocks the actions of wnt-5a on T cells. Finally, a secreted, dominant-negative form of frizzled-5 blocks EC-mediated CsA resistance. Thus, EC promote CsA-resistant nuclear localization of NFAT and subsequent IL-2 synthesis through a noncanonical wnt-dependent pathway.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Nonmuscle myosin promotes cytoplasmic localization of PBX.

In the absence of MEIS family proteins, two mechanisms are known to restrict the PBX family of homeodomain (HD) transcription factors to the cytoplasm. First, PBX is actively exported from the nucleus via a CRM1-dependent pathway. Second, nuclear localization signals (NLSs) within the PBX HD are masked by intramolecular contacts. In a screen to identify additional proteins directing PBX subcellular localization, we identified a fragment of murine nonmuscle myosin II heavy chain B (NMHCB). The interaction of NMHCB with PBX was verified by coimmunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining revealed colocalization of NMHCB with cytoplasmic PBX in the mouse embryo distal limb bud. The interaction domain in PBX mapped to a conserved PBC-B region harboring a potential coiled-coil structure. In support of the cytoplasmic retention function, the NMHCB fragment competes with MEIS1A to redirect PBX, and the fly PBX homologue EXD, to the cytoplasm of mammalian and insect cells. Interestingly, MEIS1A also localizes to the cytoplasm in the presence of the NMHCB fragment. These activities are largely independent of nuclear export. We show further that the subcellular localization of EXD is deregulated in Drosophila zipper mutants that are depleted of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain. This study reveals a novel and evolutionarily conserved mechanism controlling the subcellular distribution of PBX and EXD proteins.

Animals↗

Smads 2 and 3 are differentially activated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta ) in quiescent and activated hepatic stellate cells. Constitutive nuclear localization of Smads in activated cells is TGF-beta-independent.

Hepatic stellate cells are the primary cell type responsible for matrix deposition in liver fibrosis, undergoing a process of transdifferentiation into fibrogenic myofibroblasts. These cells, which undergo a similar transdifferentiation process when cultured in vitro, are a major target of the profibrogenic agent transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). We have studied activation of the TGF-beta downstream signaling molecules Smads 2, 3, and 4 in hepatic stellate cells (HSC) cultured in vitro for 1, 4, and 7 days, with quiescent, intermediate, and fully transdifferentiated phenotypes, respectively. Total levels of Smad4, common to multiple TGF-beta superfamily signaling pathways, do not change as HSC transdifferentiate, and the protein is found in both nucleus and cytoplasm, independent of treatment with TGF-beta or the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B. TGF-beta mediates activation of Smad2 primarily in early cultured cells and that of Smad3 primarily in transdifferentiated cells. The linker protein SARA, which is required for Smad2 signaling, disappears with transdifferentiation. Additionally, day 7 cells demonstrate constitutive phosphorylation and nuclear localization of Smad 2, which is not affected by pretreatment with TGF-beta-neutralizing antibodies, a type I TGF-beta receptor kinase inhibitor, or activin-neutralizing antibodies. These results demonstrate essential differences between TGF-beta-mediated signaling pathways in quiescent and in vitro transdifferentiated hepatic stellate cells.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Nucleocytoplasmic transport of macromolecules.

Nucleocytoplasmic transport is a complex process that consists of the movement of numerous macromolecules back and forth across the nuclear envelope. All macromolecules that move in and out of the nucleus do so via nuclear pore complexes that form large proteinaceous channels in the nuclear envelope. In addition to nuclear pores, nuclear transport of macromolecules requires a number of soluble factors that are found both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. A combination of biochemical, genetic, and cell biological approaches have been used to identify and characterize the various components of the nuclear transport machinery. Recent studies have shown that both import to and export from the nucleus are mediated by signals found within the transport substrates. Several studies have demonstrated that these signals are recognized by soluble factors that target these substrates to the nuclear pore. Once substrates have been directed to the pore, most transport events depend on a cycle of GTP hydrolysis mediated by the small Ras-like GTPase, Ran, as well as other proteins that regulate the guanine nucleotide-bound state of Ran. Many of the essential factors have been identified, and the challenge that remains is to determine the exact mechanism by which transport occurs. This review attempts to present an integrated view of our current understanding of nuclear transport while highlighting the contributions that have been made through studies with genetic organisms such as the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Biological Transport↗

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae RanGTP-binding protein msn5p is involved in different signal transduction pathways.

In eukaryotes, control of transcription by extracellular signals involves the translocation to the nucleus of at least one component of the signal transduction pathway. Transport through the nuclear envelope requires the activity of an import or export receptor that interacts with the small GTPase Ran. We have cloned the MSN5 gene of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is postulated to encode one of these receptors. Msn5p belongs to a family of proteins with a conserved N-terminal sequence that acts as a RanGTP-binding domain. The results presented here provide genetic data supporting Msn5p involvement in several different signal transduction pathways. All of these pathways include changes in gene expression, and regulated nucleocytoplasmic redistribution of a component in response to external conditions has already been described in some of them. We have cloned MSN5 following two different strategies. Msn5p was constitutively localized in the nucleus. Phenotypic analysis of the msn5 mutant demonstrated that this protein participates in processes such as catabolite repression, calcium signaling, mating, and cell proliferation, as well as being involved in previously characterized phosphate utilization. Therefore, Msn5p could be a receptor for several proteins involved in different signaling pathways.

Base Sequence↗