scholarly journals Sequence and characterization of cytoplasmic nuclear protein import factor p97.

1995 ◽  
Vol 130 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
N C Chi ◽  
E J Adam ◽  
S A Adam

Nuclear location sequence-mediated binding of karyophilic proteins to the nuclear pore complexes is one of the earliest steps in nuclear protein import. We previously identified two cytosolic proteins that reconstitute this step in a permeabilized cell assay: the 54/56-kD NLS receptor and p97. A monoclonal antibody to p97 localizes the protein to the cytoplasm and the nuclear envelope. p97 is extracted from nuclear envelopes under the same conditions as the O-glycosylated nucleoporins indicating a tight association with the pore complex. The antibody inhibits import in a permeabilized cell assay but does not affect binding of karyophiles to the nuclear pore complex. Immunodepletion of p97 renders the cytosol inactive for import and identifies at least three other cytosolic proteins that interact with p97. cDNA cloning of p97 shows that it is a unique protein containing 23 cysteine residues. Recombinant p97 binds zinc and a bound metal ion is required for the nuclear envelope binding activity of the protein.

1996 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 1835-1855 ◽  
Author(s):  
C DeHoratius ◽  
P A Silver

To identify components involved in nuclear protein import, we used a genetic selection to isolate mutants that mislocalized a nuclear-targeted protein. We identified temperature-sensitive mutants that accumulated several different nuclear proteins in the cytoplasm when shifted to the semipermissive temperature of 30 degrees C; these were termed npl (nuclear protein localization) mutants. We now present the properties of yeast strains bearing mutations in the NPL4 gene and report the cloning of the NPL4 gene and the characterization of the Np14 protein. The npl4-1 mutant was isolated by the previously described selection scheme. The second allele, npl4-2, was identified from an independently derived collection of temperature-sensitive mutants. The npl4-1 and npl4-2 strains accumulate nuclear-targeted proteins in the cytoplasm at the nonpermissive temperature consistent with a defect in nuclear protein import. Using an in vitro nuclear import assay, we show that nuclei prepared from temperature-shifted npl4 mutant cells are unable to import nuclear-targeted proteins, even in the presence of cytosol prepared from wild-type cells. In addition, npl4-2 cells accumulate poly(A)+ RNA in the nucleus at the nonpermissive temperature, consistent with a failure to export mRNA from the nucleus. The npl4-1 and npl4-2 cells also exhibit distinct, temperature-sensitive structural defects: npl4-1 cells project extra nuclear envelope into the cytoplasm, whereas npl4-2 cells from nuclear envelope herniations that appear to be filled with poly(A)+ RNA. The NPL4 gene encodes an essential M(r) 64,000 protein that is located at the nuclear periphery and localizes in a pattern similar to nuclear pore complex proteins. Taken together, these results indicate that this gene encodes a novel nuclear pore complex or nuclear pore complex-associated component required for nuclear membrane integrity and nuclear transport.


1996 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
pp. 559-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
N C Chi ◽  
E J Adam ◽  
G D Visser ◽  
S A Adam

Three factors have been identified that reconstitute nuclear protein import in a permeabilized cell assay: the NLS receptor, p97, and Ran/TC4. Ran/TC4, in turn, interacts with a number of proteins that are involved in the regulation of GTP hydrolysis or are components of the nuclear pore. Two Ran-binding proteins, RanBP1 and RanBP2, form discrete complexes with p97 as demonstrated by immunoadsorption from HeLa cell extracts fractionated by gel filtration chromatography. A > 400-kD complex contains p97, Ran, and RanBP2. Another complex of 150-300 kD was comprised of p97, Ran, and RanBP1. This second trimeric complex could be reconstituted from recombinant proteins. In solution binding assays, Ran-GTP bound p97 with high affinity, but the binding of Ran-GDP to p97 was undetectable. The addition of RanBP1 with Ran-GDP or Ran-GTP increased the affinity of both forms of Ran for p97 to the same level. Binding of Ran-GTP to p97 dissociated p97 from immobilized NLS receptor while the Ran-GDP/RanBP1/p97 complex did not dissociate from the receptor. In a digitonin-permeabilized cell docking assay, RanBP1 stabilizes the receptor complex against temperature-dependent release from the pore. When added to an import assay with recombinant NLS receptor, p97 and Ran-GDP, RanBP1 significantly stimulates transport. These results suggest that RanBP1 promotes both the docking and translocation steps in nuclear protein import by stabilizing the interaction of Ran-GDP with p97.


1997 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2591-2604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen A. Murphy ◽  
Mary Shannon Moore ◽  
George Drivas ◽  
Pablo Pérez de la Ossa ◽  
Alicia Villamarin ◽  
...  

Ran, the small, predominantly nuclear GTPase, has been implicated in the regulation of a variety of cellular processes including cell cycle progression, nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking of RNA and protein, nuclear structure, and DNA synthesis. It is not known whether Ran functions directly in each process or whether many of its roles may be secondary to a direct role in only one, for example, nuclear protein import. To identify biochemical links between Ran and its functional target(s), we have generated and examined the properties of a putative Ran effector mutation, T42A-Ran. T42A-Ran binds guanine nucleotides as well as wild-type Ran and responds as well as wild-type Ran to GTP or GDP exchange stimulated by the Ran-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor, RCC1. T42A-Ran·GDP also retains the ability to bind p10/NTF2, a component of the nuclear import pathway. In contrast to wild-type Ran, T42A-Ran·GTP binds very weakly or not detectably to three proposed Ran effectors, Ran-binding protein 1 (RanBP1), Ran-binding protein 2 (RanBP2, a nucleoporin), and karyopherin β (a component of the nuclear protein import pathway), and is not stimulated to hydrolyze bound GTP by Ran GTPase-activating protein, RanGAP1. Also in contrast to wild-type Ran, T42A-Ran does not stimulate nuclear protein import in a digitonin permeabilized cell assay and also inhibits wild-type Ran function in this system. However, the T42A mutation does not block the docking of karyophilic substrates at the nuclear pore. These properties of T42A-Ran are consistent with its classification as an effector mutant and define the exposed region of Ran containing the mutation as a probable effector loop.


1993 ◽  
Vol 123 (4) ◽  
pp. 785-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Schlenstedt ◽  
E Hurt ◽  
V Doye ◽  
P A Silver

We have developed an in vitro nuclear protein import reaction from semi-intact yeast cells. The reaction uses cells that have been permeabilized by freeze-thaw after spheroplast formation. Electron microscopic analysis and antibody-binding experiments show that the nuclear envelope remains intact but the plasma membrane is perforated. In the presence of ATP and cytosol derived from yeast or mammalian cells, a protein containing the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of SV40 large T-antigen is transported into the nucleus. Proteins with mutant NLSs are not imported. In the absence of cytosol, binding of NLS-containing proteins occurs at the nuclear envelope. N-ethylmaleimide treatment of the cytosol as well as antibodies to the nuclear pore protein Nsp1 inhibit import but not binding to the nuclear envelope. Yeast mutants defective in nuclear protein transport were tested in the in vitro import reaction. Semi-intact cells from temperature-sensitive nsp1 mutants failed to import but some binding to the nuclear envelope was observed. On the other hand, no binding and thus no import into nuclei was observed in semi-intact nsp49 cells which are mutated in another nuclear pore protein. Np13 mutants, which are defective for nuclear protein import in vivo, were also deficient in the binding step under the in vitro conditions. Thus, the transport defect in these mutants is at the level of the nucleus and the point at which nuclear transport is blocked can be defined.


1990 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 807-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
S A Adam ◽  
R S Marr ◽  
L Gerace

We have developed an in vitro system involving digitonin-permeabilized vertebrate cells to study biochemical events in the transport of macromolecules across the nuclear envelope. While treatment of cultured cells with digitonin permeabilizes the plasma membranes to macromolecules, the nuclear envelopes remain structurally intact and nuclei retain the ability to transport and accumulate proteins containing the SV40 large T antigen nuclear location sequence. Transport requires addition of exogenous cytosol to permeabilized cells, indicating the soluble cytoplasmic factor(s) required for nuclear import are released during digitonin treatment. In this reconstituted import system, a protein containing a nuclear location signal is rapidly accumulated in nuclei, where it reaches a 30-fold concentration compared to the surrounding medium within 30 min. Nuclear import is specific for a functional nuclear location sequence, requires ATP and cytosol, and is temperature dependent. Furthermore, accumulation of the transport substrate within nuclei is completely inhibited by wheat germ agglutinin, which binds to nuclear pore complexes and inhibits transport in vivo. Together, these results indicate that the permeabilized cell system reproduces authentic nuclear protein import. In a preliminary biochemical dissection of the system, we observe that the sulfhydryl alkylating reagent N-ethylmaleimide inactivates both cytosolic factor(s) and also component(s) in the insoluble permeabilized cell fraction required for nuclear protein import. Because this permeabilized cell model is simple, efficient, and works effectively with cells and cytosol fractions prepared from a variety of different vertebrate sources, it will prove powerful for investigating the biochemical pathway of nuclear transport.


2011 ◽  
Vol 109 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirna N Chahine ◽  
Maxime Mioulane ◽  
Gabor Földes ◽  
Alexander Lyon ◽  
Sian E Harding

During cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyocytes (CM) present alterations in gene expression and increased contractile protein content. Nuclear protein import (NPI) is critical in regulating gene expression, transcription, and subsequently cell hypertrophy. However, it is unknown how the nuclear transport machinery (transport receptors and nuclear pore complex (NPC)) functions to sustain increased demands for nucleocytoplasmic trafficking. The aim of this study was to determine if exposure of adult CM to phenylephrine (PE) affects hypertrophy by altering NPI and NPC density. Comparisons were made to adult failing rat and human CM. Rat myocytes were enzymatically isolated from adult hearts, and used for immunocytochemistry, qPCR and western immunoblotting. Failing CM were obtained from explanted human hearts at the time of transplant and from a rat model of myocardial infarction-induced hypertrophy and failure. Rat adult CM exposed for 48h to PE were injected with a protein import substrate (Alexa488-BSA-NLS) to visually monitor nuclear import with the confocal microscope. The effects of P38 MAPK inhibitor, HDAC inhibitor, Exportin-1 (CRM-1) inhibitor, and GSK-3 β inhibitor were investigated. Cell and nuclear sizes were increased in PE treated-adult rat CM and in the adult failing rat and human CM compared to normal CM. In contrast, PE depressed the rate and maximal NPI (by 65 +/- 3.4 % (3.55 from 5.46), p<0.05) as well as nucleoporin p62 mRNA and protein expression levels in adult rat CM compared to non-treated CM. Nucleoporin p62, cytoplasmic Ranbp1, and nuclear translocation of importins (Imp.α and β) relative densities were also decreased in PE treated-adult rat CM and in adult failing rat CM and human heart tissue compared to normal controls. On the contrary, CRM-1 nuclear export relative density was increased during the same pathological conditions. Thus NPI downregulation is linked to an increased nuclear export required by CM to generate the hypertrophic phenotype. All these effects were P38MAPK, HDAC and CRM-1 dependent but GSK-3Beta independent in rat CM. Our results show that alterations in NPI and NPC density occur in failing CM as well as in CM under hypertrophic stimuli. NPI may represent a critical therapeutic target in hypertrophic conditions.


1990 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 547-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
D D Newmeyer ◽  
D J Forbes

We described previously an assay for authentic nuclear protein import in vitro. In this assay, exogenous nuclei are placed in an extract of Xenopus eggs; a rhodamine-labeled protein possessing a nuclear localization signal is added, and fluorescence microscopy is used to measure nuclear uptake. The requirement in this system for a cytosolic extract suggests that nuclear import is dependent on at least one cytosolic factor. We now confirm this hypothesis. Treatment of the cytosol with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) abolishes nuclear protein import; readdition of a cytosolic fraction to the NEM-inactivated extract rescues transport. Thus, at least one NEM-sensitive factor required for transport is supplied by the cytosol. This activity, called nuclear import factor-1, or NIF-1, is ammonium-sulfate-precipitable, protease-sensitive, and heat-labile; it is therefore at least partly proteinaceous. NIF-1 stimulates, in a concentration-dependent manner, the rate at which individual nuclei accumulate protein. The effect of NIF-1 is enhanced by a second cytosolic NEM-sensitive factor, NIF-2. Earlier we identified two steps in the nuclear import reaction: (a) ATP-independent binding of a signal-sequence-bearing protein to the nuclear pore; and (b) ATP-dependent translocation of that protein through the pore. We now show that NEM inhibits signal-mediated binding, and that readdition of NIF-1 restores binding. Thus, NIF-1 is required for at least the binding step and does not require ATP for its activity. NIF-1 may act as a cytoplasmic signal receptor that escorts signal-bearing proteins to the pore, or may instead promote signal-mediated binding to the pore in another manner, as discussed.


1995 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 3617-3626 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Imamoto ◽  
T. Shimamoto ◽  
T. Takao ◽  
T. Tachibana ◽  
S. Kose ◽  
...  

2008 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 1941-1951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick W. Porter ◽  
Ann C. Palmenberg

ABSTRACT Picornaviruses disrupt nucleocytoplasmic trafficking pathways during infection. Poliovirus and rhinovirus inhibit nuclear protein import/export through a series of 2A protease-dependent cleavages within nuclear pore proteins (nucleoporins [Nups]), including Nup62, Nup98, and Nup153. Cardioviruses lack the same protease and instead affect trafficking inhibition through an activity mapped to their leader (L) protein, a 67- to 76-amino acid (aa) polypeptide with no known enzymatic activity. We have shown that L from encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) binds and inhibits the activity of Ran-GTPase, a key regulator of nucleocytoplasmic transport. We now report that recombinant EMCV L triggers the unregulated efflux of protein cargo from preloaded HeLa cell nuclei in cell-free reactions dependent upon Xenopus egg cytosol or HeLa cell-derived cytosol. Recombinant L was the only viral protein necessary for this activity or for nuclear protein import inhibition. Mutational disruption of the L protein zinc finger domain (C19A) abrogated the inhibitory activity for both import and efflux in cell extracts, but mutations in the C-terminal acidic domain of L (aa 37 to 61) did not. Notably, HeLa cell nuclei treated with L, or those from EMCV-infected cells, showed reproducibly altered patterns of nucleoporin phosphorylation. Nup62, Nup153, and Nup214 each became hyperphosphorylated in an L-dependent manner. Staurosporine, a broad-spectrum kinase inhibitor, blocked this phosphorylation and rescued nuclear import/export activity from L-dependent inhibition. Therefore, cardioviruses target the same group of nucleoporins as enteroviruses, but the effector mechanism triggered by L (or L-Ran complexes) involves a unique cytosol-dependent phosphorylation cascade rather than proteolysis.


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