scholarly journals The cell cycle-dependent nuclear import of v-Jun is regulated by phosphorylation of a serine adjacent to the nuclear localization signal.

1995 ◽  
Vol 130 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Tagawa ◽  
T Kuroki ◽  
P K Vogt ◽  
K Chida
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Protein Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Nuclear Accumulation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Cycle Dependent

Cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation and nuclear import of the tumorigenic transcription factor viral Jun (v-Jun) were investigated in chicken embryo fibroblasts. Nuclear accumulation of v-Jun but not of cellular Jun (c-Jun) is cell cycle dependent, decreasing in G1 and increasing in G2. The cell cycle-dependent regulation of v-Jun was mapped to a single serine residue at position 248 (Ser248), adjacent to the nuclear localization signal (NLS). Ser248 of v-Jun represents an amino acid substitution, replacing cysteine of c-Jun. It was shown by peptidase digestion and immunoprecipitation with antibody to the NLS that v-Jun is phosphorylated at Ser248 in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus. This phosphorylation is high in G1 and low in G2. Nuclear accumulation of v-Jun is correlated with underphosphorylation at Ser248. The regulation of nuclear import by phosphorylation was also examined using NLS peptides with Ser248 of v-Jun. Phosphorylation of the serine inhibited nuclear import mediated by the NLS peptide in vivo and in vitro. The protein kinase inhibitors staurosporine and H7 stimulated but the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid inhibited nuclear import mediated by the NLS peptide. The cytosolic activity of protein kinases phosphorylating Ser248 increased in G0 and decreased during cell cycle progression, reaching a minimum in G2, whereas phosphatase activity dephosphorylating Ser248 was not changed. These results show that nuclear import of v-Jun is negatively regulated by phosphorylation at Ser248 in the cytoplasm in a cell cycle-dependent manner.

scholarly journals Importin-α Mediates the Regulated Nuclear Targeting of Serum- and Glucocorticoid-inducible Protein Kinase (Sgk) by Recognition of a Nuclear Localization Signal in the Kinase Central Domain

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 1221-1239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita C. Maiyar ◽  
Meredith L.L. Leong ◽  
Gary L. Firestone
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Central Domain ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Inducible Protein

The transcriptionally regulated serum and glucocorticoid inducible protein kinase (Sgk) is localized to the nucleus in a serum-dependent manner, and a yeast two-hybrid genetic screen uncovered a specific interaction between Sgk and the importin-α nuclear import receptor. In vitro GST pull down assays demonstrated a strong and direct association of importin-α with endogenous Sgk and exogenously expressed HA-tagged Sgk, whereas both components coimmunoprecipitate and colocalize to the nucleus after serum stimulation. Consistent with an active mechanism of nuclear localization, the nuclear import of HA-Sgk in permeabilized cells required ATP, cytoplasm, and a functional nuclear pore complex. Ectopic addition of a 107 amino acid carboxy-terminal fragment of importin-α, which contains the Sgk binding region, competitively inhibited the ability of endogenous importin-α to import Sgk into nuclei in vitro. Mutagenesis of lysines by alanine substitution defined a KKAILKKKEEK sequence within the central domain of Sgk between amino acids 131–141 that functions as a nuclear localization signal (NLS) required for the in vitro interaction with importin-α and for nuclear import of full-length Sgk in cultured cells. The serum-induced nuclear import of Sgk requires the NLS-dependent recognition of Sgk by importin-α as well as the PI3-kinase–dependent phosphorylation of Sgk. Our results define a new role importin-α in the stimulus-dependent control of signal transduction by nuclear localized protein kinases.

Nuclear import of glycoconjugates is distinct from the classical NLS pathway

1995 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
pp. 1325-1332 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Duverger ◽  
C. Pellerin-Mendes ◽  
R. Mayer ◽  
A.C. Roche ◽  
M. Monsigny
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Peptide Sequence ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Permeabilized Cells ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Energy Dependent ◽  
Cytosolic Factors

The nuclear import of many proteins depends on a short peptide sequence called the nuclear localization signal. However, glycosylated proteins, which lack such a nuclear localization signal, upon their injection into the cytosol by electroporation, enter the nucleus in a sugar-dependent manner. This paper brings new insights on the mechanism of this process, based on a study of neoglycoprotein nuclear uptake by digitonin-permeabilized cells. The nuclear import of neoglycoproteins is energy dependent: it does not occur when cells are maintained at 4 degrees C or when cells are ATP-depleted by treatment with apyrase. The nuclear import of neoglycoproteins occurs through the nuclear pore: it is inhibited by preincubation of cells with wheat germ agglutinin, a lectin which binds the nuclear pore glycoproteins and blocks the translocation step of nuclear localization signal bearing proteins through the nuclear pore. Furthermore, the nuclear import of neoglycoproteins does not use the pathway of nuclear localization signal bearing proteins: nuclear import of nuclear localization signal bearing proteins depends on cytosolic factors and is inhibited by treatment of cells with N-ethylmaleimide, while the nuclear import of neoglycoproteins neither requires added cytosolic factors nor is sensitive to alkylation by N-ethylmaleimide. In addition, upon incubation in the presence of a large excess of nuclear localization signal bearing protein, the nuclear import of neoglycoproteins is not inhibited.

scholarly journals Mechanisms Directing the Nuclear Localization of the CtBP Family Proteins

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 4882-4894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Verger ◽  
Kate G. R. Quinlan ◽  
Linda A. Crofts ◽  
Stefania Spanò ◽  
Daniela Corda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Intracellular Trafficking ◽  
Nuclear Accumulation ◽  
Splice Isoforms ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Splice Isoform ◽  
Partner Proteins

ABSTRACT The C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) family includes four proteins (CtBP1 [CtBP1-L], CtBP3/BARS [CtBP1-S], CtBP2, and RIBEYE) which are implicated both in transcriptional repression and in intracellular trafficking. However, the precise mechanisms by which different CtBP proteins are targeted to different subcellular regions remains unknown. Here, we report that the nuclear import of the various CtBP proteins and splice isoforms is differentially regulated. We show that CtBP2 contains a unique nuclear localization signal (NLS) located within its N-terminal region, which contributes to its nuclear accumulation. Using heterokaryon assays, we show that CtBP2 is capable of shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cell. Moreover, CtBP2 can heterodimerize with CtBP1-L and CtBP1-S and direct them to the nucleus. This effect strongly depends on the CtBP2 NLS. PXDLS motif-containing transcription factors, such as BKLF, that bind CtBP proteins can also direct them to the nucleus. We also report the identification of a splice isoform of CtBP2, CtBP2-S, that lacks the N-terminal NLS and localizes to the cytoplasm. Finally, we show that mutation of the CtBP NADH binding site impairs the ability of the proteins to dimerize and to associate with BKLF. This reduces the nuclear accumulation of CtBP1. Our results suggest a model in which the nuclear localization of CtBP proteins is influenced by the CtBP2 NLS, by binding to PXDLS motif partner proteins, and through the effect of NADH on CtBP dimerization.

scholarly journals Nuclear Localization Signal and Protein Context both Mediate Importin α Specificity of Nuclear Import Substrates

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (23) ◽  
pp. 8697-8709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beate Friedrich ◽  
Christina Quensel ◽  
Thomas Sommer ◽  
Enno Hartmann ◽  
Matthias Köhler
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Protein Import ◽  
Binding Studies ◽  
Vitro Binding ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Experimental Approaches

ABSTRACT The “classical” nuclear protein import pathway depends on importin α and importin β. Importin α binds nuclear localization signal (NLS)-bearing proteins and functions as an adapter to access the importin β-dependent import pathway. In humans, only one importin β is known to interact with importin α, while six α importins have been described. Various experimental approaches provided evidence that several substrates are transported specifically by particular α importins. Whether the NLS is sufficient to mediate importin α specificity is unclear. To address this question, we exchanged the NLSs of two well-characterized import substrates, the seven-bladed propeller protein RCC1, preferentially transported into the nucleus by importin α3, and the less specifically imported substrate nucleoplasmin. In vitro binding studies and nuclear import assays revealed that both NLS and protein context contribute to the specificity of importin α binding and transport.

scholarly journals Identification and Functional Characterization of a Novel Nuclear Localization Signal Present in the Yeast Nab2 Poly(A)+ RNA Binding Protein

1998 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1449-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Truant ◽  
Robert A. Fridell ◽  
R. Edward Benson ◽  
Hal Bogerd ◽  
Bryan R. Cullen
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Nuclear Export ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Localization Signal

ABSTRACT The nuclear import of proteins bearing a basic nuclear localization signal (NLS) is dependent on karyopherin α/importin α, which acts as the NLS receptor, and karyopherin β1/importin β, which binds karyopherin α and mediates the nuclear import of the resultant ternary complex. Recently, a second nuclear import pathway that allows the rapid reentry into the nucleus of proteins that participate in the nuclear export of mature mRNAs has been identified. In mammalian cells, a single NLS specific for this alternate pathway, the M9 NLS of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1), has been described. The M9 NLS binds a transport factor related to karyopherin β1, termed karyopherin β2 or transportin, and does not require a karyopherin α-like adapter protein. A yeast homolog of karyopherin β2, termed Kap104p, has also been described and proposed to play a role in the nuclear import of a yeast hnRNP-like protein termed Nab2p. Here, we define a Nab2p sequence that binds to Kap104p and that functions as an NLS in both human and yeast cells despite lacking any evident similarity to basic or M9 NLSs. Using an in vitro nuclear import assay, we demonstrate that Kap104p can direct the import into isolated human cell nuclei of a substrate containing a wild-type, but not a defective mutant, Nab2p NLS. In contrast, other NLSs, including the M9 NLS, could not function as substrates for Kap104p. Surprisingly, this in vitro assay also revealed that human karyopherin β1, but not the Kap104p homolog karyopherin β2, could direct the efficient nuclear import of a Nab2p NLS substrate in vitro in the absence of karyopherin α. These data therefore identify a novel NLS sequence, active in both yeast and mammalian cells, that is functionally distinct from both basic and M9 NLS sequences.

scholarly journals Identification of a putative nuclear localization signal in maspin protein shed light into its nuclear import regulation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Reina ◽  
Lixin Zhou ◽  
Marcos R.M. Fontes ◽  
Nelly Panté ◽  
Nathalie Cella
Keyword(s):  
Subcellular Localization ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Hela Cells ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Localization Signal

AbstractMaspin (SERPINB5) is a potential tumor suppressor gene with pleiotropic biological activities, including regulation of cell proliferation, death, adhesion, migration and gene expression. Several studies suggest that subcellular localization plays an essential role on maspin tumor suppression activity. In this study we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying maspin nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Anin vitronuclear-import assay using digitonin-permeabilized HeLa cells demonstrated that maspin enters the nucleus by an energy-and carrier-independent mechanism. However, previous studies indicated that maspin subcellular localization is regulated in the cell. Using a nuclear localization signal (NLS) prediction software, we identified a putative NLS in the maspin amino acid sequence. To distinguish between passive and regulated nuclear translocation, maspinNLS or the full-length protein (MaspinFL) were fused to 5GFP, rendering the construct too large to enter the nucleus passively. Unexpectedly, 5GFP-maspinNLS, but not maspinFL-5GFP, entered the nucleus of HeLa cells. Dominant-negative Ran-GTPase mutants RanQ69L or RanT24N, suppressed 5GFP-maspinNLS nuclear localization. In summary, we provide evidence that maspin translocates to the nucleus passively. In addition, we identified a peptide in the maspin protein sequence, which is able to drive a 5GFP construct to the nucleus in an energy-dependent manner.

Nuclear accumulation of the E2F heterodimer regulated by subunit composition and alternative splicing of a nuclear localization signal

1996 ◽  
Vol 109 (10) ◽  
pp. 2443-2452 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. de la Luna ◽  
M.J. Burden ◽  
C.W. Lee ◽  
N.B. La Thangue
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Nuclear Accumulation ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Localization Signal

The cellular transcription factor E2F plays a critical role in integrating cell cycle progression with the transcription apparatus by virtue of a physical interaction and control by key regulators of the cell cycle, such as pRb, cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases. Generic E2F DNA binding activity arises when a member of two families of proteins, E2F and DP, form heterodimeric complexes, an interaction which results in co-operative transcriptional and DNA binding activity. Here, we characterise a new and hitherto unexpected mechanism of control influencing the activity of E2F which is mediated at the level of intracellular location through a dependence on heterodimer formation for nuclear translocation. Nuclear accumulation is dramatically influenced by two distinct processes: alternative splicing of a nuclear localization signal and subunit composition of the E2F heterodimer. These data define a new level of control in the E2F transcription factor whereby interplay between subunits dictates the levels of nuclear DNA binding activity.

scholarly journals A Nonconventional Nuclear Localization Signal within the UL84 Protein of Human Cytomegalovirus Mediates Nuclear Import via the Importin α/β Pathway

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 3734-3748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Lischka ◽  
Gabriele Sorg ◽  
Michael Kann ◽  
Michael Winkler ◽  
Thomas Stamminger
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Dna Replication ◽  
Human Cytomegalovirus ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Localization Signal

ABSTRACT The open reading frame UL84 of human cytomegalovirus encodes a multifunctional regulatory protein which is required for viral DNA replication and binds with high affinity to the immediate-early transactivator IE2-p86. Although the exact role of pUL84 in DNA replication is unknown, the nuclear localization of this protein is a prerequisite for this function. To investigate whether the activities of pUL84 are modulated by cellular proteins we used the Saccharomyces cerevisiae two-hybrid system to screen a cDNA-library for interacting proteins. Strong interactions were found between pUL84 and four members of the importin α protein family. These interactions could be confirmed in vitro by pull down experiments and in vivo by coimmunoprecipitation analysis from transfected cells. Using in vitro transport assays we showed that the pUL84 nuclear import required importin α, importin β, and Ran, thus following the classical importin-mediated import pathway. Deletion mutagenesis of pUL84 revealed a domain of 282 amino acids which is required for binding to the importin α proteins. Its function as a nuclear localization signal (NLS) was confirmed by fusion to heterologous proteins. Although containing a cluster of basic amino acids similar to classical NLSs, this cluster did not contain the NLS activity. Thus, a complex structure appears to be essential for importin α binding and import activity.

Distinct mechanisms of nuclear accumulation regulate the functional consequence of E2F transcription factors

1997 ◽  
Vol 110 (22) ◽  
pp. 2819-2831 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.E. Allen ◽  
S. de la Luna ◽  
R.M. Kerkhoven ◽  
R. Bernards ◽  
N.B. La Thangue
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Nuclear Accumulation ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
Pocket Proteins ◽  
Functional Consequence ◽  
Pocket Protein ◽  
Localization Signal

Transcription factor E2F plays an important role in coordinating and integrating early cell cycle progression with the transcription apparatus. It is known that physiological E2F arises when a member of two families of proteins, E2F and DP, interact as E2F/DP heterodimers and that transcriptional activity is regulated through the physical association of pocket proteins such as pRb. However, little information is available regarding the mechanisms which control the levels of functional E2F. In this study, we have characterised one such mechanism which regulates the nuclear accumulation and activity of E2F. Specifically, we show that E2F proteins fall into two distinct categories according to their ability to accumulate in nuclei, one being exemplified by E2F-1 and the other by E2F-4 and -5. Thus, E2F-1 possesses an intrinsic nuclear localization signal whereas E2F-4 and -5 are devoid of such a signal. Furthermore, we find for E2F-4 and -5 that two distinct processes govern their nuclear accumulation whereby the nuclear localization signal is supplied in trans from either a DP heterodimer partner or a physically associated pocket protein. It is consistent with the role of pocket proteins in regulating nuclear accumulation that we find E2F-5 to be nuclear during early cell cycle progression with an increased cytoplasmic concentration in cycling cells. Our data show that the mechanism of nuclear accumulation determines the functional consequence of E2F on cell cycle progression: pocket protein-mediated accumulation impedes cell cycle progression, whereas DP-regulated nuclear accumulation promotes cell cycle progression. Moreover, the inactivation of pocket proteins by the adenovirus Ela protein, and subsequent release of E2F, failed to displace nuclear E2F. Our study identifies a new level of regulation in the control of E2F activity exerted at the level of nuclear accumulation where subunit composition and interaction with pocket proteins dictates the functional consequence on cell cycle progression.

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