NXF-2, REF-1, and REF-2 affect the choice of nuclear export pathway for tra-2 mRNA in C. elegans.
In C. elegans, tra-2 mRNA nuclear export is controlled by a 3'UTR element, the TRE. In the absence of TRA-1, the TRE retains tra-2 mRNA in the nucleus. The binding of TRA-1 to the 3'UTR overcomes this retention resulting in export of a TRA-1/tra-2 mRNA complex. Here, we find that, unlike most mRNAs, tra-2 mRNA exits the nucleus via an alternative pathway to NXF-1 that requires CRM1 activity. Inhibition of export by NXF-1 depends upon the TRE, CeNXF-2, CeREF-1, and CeREF-2. Removal of the TRE or any one of these factors results in export of tra-2 by NXF-1. NXF-2 and REF-1 specifically bind the TRE, suggesting that they directly control tra-2 mRNA export. Furthermore, choice of proper export pathway affects tra-2 translational control. Therefore, tra-2 mRNA export is highly regulated and plays an important role in development by regulating the activity of tra-2 mRNA in the cytoplasm.
Kuersten
Scott
S
Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Segal
Scott P
SP
Verheyden
Jamie
J
LaMartina
Sarah M
SM
Goodwin
Elizabeth B
EB
D021581:Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D028884:Karyopherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D029543:Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000097606:Exportin 1 Protein
D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D028884:Karyopherins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D029543:Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000097606:Exportin 1 Protein; C418480:NXF-1 protein, C elegans; C570792:NXF-2 protein, C elegans; C465015:REF-2 protein, C elegans; C428453:ref-1 protein, C elegans; C076107:tra-2 protein, C elegans