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

2002 ◽  
Vol 156 (3) ◽  
pp. 467-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jochen Huber ◽  
Achim Dickmanns ◽  
Reinhard Lührmann
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Core Domain ◽  
U1 Snrnp ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Import Receptor

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-β binding (IBB) domain and a COOH-terminal m3G-cap–binding region that bears no structural similarity to known import adaptors like importin-α (impα). Here, we show that recombinant snurportin1 and importin-β (impβ) are not only necessary, but also sufficient for U1 snRNP transport to the nuclei of digitonin-permeabilized HeLa cells. In contrast to impα–dependent import, single rounds of U1 snRNP import, mediated by the nuclear import receptor complex snurportin1–impβ, 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 impβ and a snurportin1 mutant containing an impα IBB domain (IBBimpα), nuclear U1 snRNP import was Ran dependent. Furthermore, β-galactosidase (βGal) containing a snurportin1 IBB domain, but not IBBimpα-βGal, 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 impβ with nucleoporins of the nuclear pore complex, and thus whether or not Ran is required to dissociate these interactions.

scholarly journals Importin β-depending Nuclear Import Pathways: Role of the Adapter Proteins in the Docking and Releasing Steps

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 2104-2115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Rollenhagen ◽  
Petra Mühlhäusser ◽  
Ulrike Kutay ◽  
Nelly Panté
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Adapter Proteins ◽  
Adapter Protein ◽  
Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
U1 Snrnp ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein

Nuclear imports of uridine-rich small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1 snRNP) and proteins with classical nuclear localization signal (cNLS-protein) are mediated by importin β. However, due to the presence of different import signals, the adapter protein of the imported molecules and importin β is different for each pathway. Although the adapter for cNLS-protein is importin α, the adapter for U1 snRNP is snurportin1 (SPN1). Herein, we show that the use of distinct adapters by importin β results in differences at the docking and releasing step for these two import pathways. Nuclear pore complex (NPC) docking of U1 snRNP but not of cNLS-protein was inhibited by an anti-CAN/Nup214 antibody. Thus, the initial NPC-binding site is different for each pathway. Pull-down assays between immobilized SPN1 and two truncated forms of importin β documented that SPN1 and importin α have different binding sites on importin β. Importin β fragment 1–618, which binds to SPN1 but not to importin α, was able to support the nuclear import of U1 snRNPs. After the translocation through the NPC, both import complexes associated with the nuclear side of the NPC. However, we found that the nature of the importin β-binding domain of the adapters influences the release of the cargo into the nucleoplasm.

scholarly journals Expression Analysis and Nuclear Import Study of Full-length Isoforms Importin α as 6x Histidin-tagged Fusion Protein on the Intracellular Localization of Recombinant HBV Core Protein

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aris Haryanto
Keyword(s):  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Recombinant Dna ◽  
Core Protein ◽  
Intracellular Localization ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Localization Signal

Isoform importin α molecules play a central role in the classical nuclear import pathway, that occurs throughthe nuclear pore complex (NPC) and typically requires a specific nuclear localization signal (NLS). In this study,it was investigated the role of isoforms importin α in the nuclear import of wild type recombinant hepatitis B viruscore protein (WT rHBc), phosphorylated recombinant HBV core (rHBc) and recombinant HBV core without NLSby co-immunoprecipitation. Four recombinant full-length isoforms importin α as 6x histidin-tagged fusion proteinwere expressed and analysed from expression plasmid vectors Rch1, pHM 1969, pHM 1967 and pHM 1965. Theresults indicated that importin α-1, importin α-3, importin α-4 and importin α-5 can be expressed and isolatedfrom E. coli transformed recombinant DNA plasmid as protein in size around 58-60 kDa. By the nuclear transportstudy shown that isoforms importin α are involved in the nuclear import of WT rHBc, phosphorylated rHBc andrHBc without NLS. It also indicated that they have an important role for nuclear transport of from cytoplasm intothe nucleus.Keywords: NPC, NLS, importin α, importin β, isoforms importin α as 6x histidin-tagged fusion protein, WTrHBc, SV40 Tag, co-immunoprecipitation, westernblotting.

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 The cytoplasmic filaments of the nuclear pore complex are dispensable for selective nuclear protein import

2002 ◽  
Vol 158 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias C. Walther ◽  
Helen S. Pickersgill ◽  
Volker C. Cordes ◽  
Martin W. Goldberg ◽  
Terry D. Allen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Pore Complex ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Protein Import ◽  
Nuclear Localization Sequence ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Slight Reduction ◽  
Cytoplasmic Filaments ◽  
Localization Sequence ◽  
Importin Α

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) mediates bidirectional macromolecular traffic between the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells. Eight filaments project from the NPC into the cytoplasm and are proposed to function in nuclear import. We investigated the localization and function of two nucleoporins on the cytoplasmic face of the NPC, CAN/Nup214 and RanBP2/Nup358. Consistent with previous data, RanBP2 was localized at the cytoplasmic filaments. In contrast, CAN was localized near the cytoplasmic coaxial ring. Unexpectedly, extensive blocking of RanBP2 with gold-conjugated antibodies failed to inhibit nuclear import. Therefore, RanBP2-deficient NPCs were generated by in vitro nuclear assembly in RanBP2-depleted Xenopus egg extracts. NPCs were formed that lacked cytoplasmic filaments, but that retained CAN. These nuclei efficiently imported nuclear localization sequence (NLS) or M9 substrates. NPCs lacking CAN retained RanBP2 and cytoplasmic filaments, and showed a minor NLS import defect. NPCs deficient in both CAN and RanBP2 displayed no cytoplasmic filaments and had a strikingly immature cytoplasmic appearance. However, they showed only a slight reduction in NLS-mediated import, no change in M9-mediated import, and were normal in growth and DNA replication. We conclude that RanBP2 is the major nucleoporin component of the cytoplasmic filaments of the NPC, and that these filaments do not have an essential role in importin α/β– or transportin-dependent import.

scholarly journals C9orf72 arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins disrupt karyopherin-mediated nuclear import

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey R Hayes ◽  
Lauren Duan ◽  
Kelly Bowen ◽  
Petr Kalab ◽  
Jeffrey D Rothstein
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Genetic Modifier ◽  
Nucleocytoplasmic Transport ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Dipeptide Repeat Proteins ◽  
Hexanucleotide Repeat ◽  
Repeat Proteins ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Dipeptide Repeat

Disruption of nucleocytoplasmic transport is increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS caused by a C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion. However, the mechanism(s) remain unclear. Karyopherins, including importin β and its cargo adaptors, have been shown to co-precipitate with the C9orf72 arginine-containing dipeptide repeat proteins (R-DPRs), poly-glycine arginine (GR) and poly-proline arginine (PR), and are protective in genetic modifier screens. Here, we show that R-DPRs interact with importin β, disrupt its cargo loading, and inhibit nuclear import of importin β, importin α/β, and transportin cargoes in permeabilized mouse neurons and HeLa cells, in a manner that can be rescued by RNA. Although R-DPRs induce widespread protein aggregation in this in vitro system, transport disruption is not due to nucleocytoplasmic transport protein sequestration, nor blockade of the phenylalanine-glycine (FG)-rich nuclear pore complex. Our results support a model in which R-DPRs interfere with cargo loading on karyopherins.

m3G cap hypermethylation of U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) in vitro: evidence that the U1 small nuclear RNA-(guanosine-N2)-methyltransferase is a non-snRNP cytoplasmic protein that requires a binding site on the Sm core domain

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 4160-4172
Author(s):  
G Plessel ◽  
U Fischer ◽  
R Lührmann
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Transport ◽  
Iodoacetic Acid ◽  
Small Nuclear Rna ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Core Domain ◽  
Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
U1 Snrnp ◽  
Snrnp Protein ◽  
Localization Signal

The RNA components of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (U snRNPs) possess a characteristic 5'-terminal trimethylguanosine cap structure (m3G cap). This cap is an important component of the nuclear localization signal of U snRNPs. It arises by hypermethylation of a cotranscriptionally added m7G cap. Here we describe an in vitro assay for the hypermethylation, which employs U snRNP particles reconstituted in vitro from purified components and subsequent analysis by m3G cap-specific immunoprecipitation. Complementation studies in vitro revealed that both cytosol and S-adenosylmethionine are required for the hypermethylation of an m7G-capped U1 snRNP reconstituted in vitro, indicating that the U1 snRNA-(guanosine-N2)-methyltransferase is a trans-active non-snRNP protein. Chemical modification revealed one cytoplasmic component required for hypermethylation and one located on the snRNP: these components have different patterns of sensitivity to modification by N-ethylmaleimide and iodoacetic acid (IAA). In the presence of cytosol and S-adenosylmethionine, an intact Sm core domain is a necessary and sufficient substrate for cap hypermethylation. These data, together with our observation that isolated native U1 snRNPs but not naked U1 RNA inhibit the trimethylation of in vitro-reconstituted U1 snRNP, indicate that the Sm core binds the methyltransferase specifically. Moreover, isolated native U2 snRNP also inhibits trimethylation of U1 snRNP, suggesting that other Sm-class U snRNPs might share the same methyltransferase. IAA modification of m7G-capped U1 snRNPs inhibited hypermethylation when they were microinjected into Xenopus oocytes and consequently also inhibited nuclear import. In contrast, modification with IAA of m3G-capped U1 snRNPs reconstituted in vitro did not interfere with their nuclear transport in oocytes. These data suggest that m3G cap formation and nuclear transport of U1 snRNPs are mediated by distinct factors, which require distinct binding sites on the Sm core of U1 snRNP.

scholarly journals Importin β contains a COOH-terminal nucleoporin binding region important for nuclear transport

2003 ◽  
Vol 162 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janna Bednenko ◽  
Gino Cingolani ◽  
Larry Gerace
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Pore Complex ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Nuclear Transport ◽  
Terminal Region ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Binding Region ◽  
Similar Extent ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Import Receptor

Proteins containing a classical NLS are transported into the nucleus by the import receptor importin β, which binds to cargoes via the adaptor importin α. The import complex is translocated through the nuclear pore complex by interactions of importin β with a series of nucleoporins. Previous studies have defined a nucleoporin binding region in the NH2-terminal half of importin β. Here we report the identification of a second nucleoporin binding region in its COOH-terminal half. Although the affinity of the COOH-terminal region for nucleoporins is dramatically weaker than that of the NH2-terminal region, sets of mutations that perturb the nucleoporin binding of either region reduce the nuclear import activity of importin β to a similar extent (∼50%). An importin β mutant with a combination of mutations in the NH2- and COOH-terminal regions is completely inactive for nuclear import. Thus, importin β possesses two nucleoporin binding sites, both of which are important for its nuclear import function.

scholarly journals Transportin-SR, a Nuclear Import Receptor for SR Proteins

1999 ◽  
Vol 145 (6) ◽  
pp. 1145-1152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoyuki Kataoka ◽  
Jennifer L. Bachorik ◽  
Gideon Dreyfuss
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Protein Import ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Sr Proteins ◽  
Amino Acid Sequence Similarity ◽  
Sr Protein ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Import Receptors ◽  
Import Receptor

The SR proteins, a group of abundant arginine/serine (RS)-rich proteins, are essential pre-mRNA splicing factors that are localized in the nucleus. The RS domain of these proteins serves as a nuclear localization signal. We found that RS domain–bearing proteins do not utilize any of the known nuclear import receptors and identified a novel nuclear import receptor specific for SR proteins. The SR protein import receptor, termed transportin-SR (TRN-SR), binds specifically and directly to the RS domains of ASF/SF2 and SC35 as well as several other SR proteins. The nuclear transport regulator RanGTP abolishes this interaction. Recombinant TRN-SR mediates nuclear import of RS domain– bearing proteins in vitro. TRN-SR has amino acid sequence similarity to several members of the importin β/transportin family. These findings strongly suggest that TRN-SR is a nuclear import receptor for the SR protein family.

scholarly journals Importin 7 and Importin α/Importin β Are Nuclear Import Receptors for the Glucocorticoid Receptor

2004 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 2276-2286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neal D. Freedman ◽  
Keith R. Yamamoto
Keyword(s):  
Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Hormonal Control ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signals ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Import Receptors ◽  
Unidentified Component ◽  
Import Receptor

The vertebrate glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is cytoplasmic without hormone and localizes to the nucleus after hormone binding. GR has two nuclear localization signals (NLS): NL1 is similar in sequence to the SV40 NLS; NL2 is poorly defined, residing in the ligand-binding domain. We found that GR displayed similar hormone-regulated compartmentalization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and required the Sxm1 nuclear import receptor for NL2-mediated import. Two metazoan homologues of Sxm1, importin 7 and importin 8, bound both NL1 and NL2, whereas importin α selectively bound NL1. In an in vitro nuclear import assay, both importin 7 and the importin α-importin β heterodimer could import a GR NL1 fragment. Under these conditions, full-length GR localized to nuclei in the presence but not absence of an unidentified component in cell extracts. Interestingly, importin 7, importin 8, and importin α bound GR even in the absence of hormone; thus, hormonal control of localization is exerted at a step downstream of import receptor binding.

scholarly journals m3G cap hypermethylation of U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) in vitro: evidence that the U1 small nuclear RNA-(guanosine-N2)-methyltransferase is a non-snRNP cytoplasmic protein that requires a binding site on the Sm core domain.

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 4160-4172 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Plessel ◽  
U Fischer ◽  
R Lührmann
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Transport ◽  
Iodoacetic Acid ◽  
Small Nuclear Rna ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Core Domain ◽  
Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
U1 Snrnp ◽  
Snrnp Protein ◽  
Localization Signal

The RNA components of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (U snRNPs) possess a characteristic 5'-terminal trimethylguanosine cap structure (m3G cap). This cap is an important component of the nuclear localization signal of U snRNPs. It arises by hypermethylation of a cotranscriptionally added m7G cap. Here we describe an in vitro assay for the hypermethylation, which employs U snRNP particles reconstituted in vitro from purified components and subsequent analysis by m3G cap-specific immunoprecipitation. Complementation studies in vitro revealed that both cytosol and S-adenosylmethionine are required for the hypermethylation of an m7G-capped U1 snRNP reconstituted in vitro, indicating that the U1 snRNA-(guanosine-N2)-methyltransferase is a trans-active non-snRNP protein. Chemical modification revealed one cytoplasmic component required for hypermethylation and one located on the snRNP: these components have different patterns of sensitivity to modification by N-ethylmaleimide and iodoacetic acid (IAA). In the presence of cytosol and S-adenosylmethionine, an intact Sm core domain is a necessary and sufficient substrate for cap hypermethylation. These data, together with our observation that isolated native U1 snRNPs but not naked U1 RNA inhibit the trimethylation of in vitro-reconstituted U1 snRNP, indicate that the Sm core binds the methyltransferase specifically. Moreover, isolated native U2 snRNP also inhibits trimethylation of U1 snRNP, suggesting that other Sm-class U snRNPs might share the same methyltransferase. IAA modification of m7G-capped U1 snRNPs inhibited hypermethylation when they were microinjected into Xenopus oocytes and consequently also inhibited nuclear import. In contrast, modification with IAA of m3G-capped U1 snRNPs reconstituted in vitro did not interfere with their nuclear transport in oocytes. These data suggest that m3G cap formation and nuclear transport of U1 snRNPs are mediated by distinct factors, which require distinct binding sites on the Sm core of U1 snRNP.

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