Uncapped mRNA introduced into tobacco protoplasts can be imported into the nucleus and is trapped by leptomycin B.
The mechanism of nuclear export of RNAs in yeast and animal cells is rapidly being uncovered, but RNA export in plants has received little attention. We introduced capped and uncapped fluorescent mRNAs into tobacco (Nicotiana plumbaginifolia) protoplasts and studied their cellular localization. Following insertion, capped transcripts were found in the cytoplasm, while uncapped messengers transiently appeared in the nucleus in about one-quarter to one-third of the cells. These mRNAs were trapped by the nuclear export-inhibiting drug leptomycin B, pointing to an export mechanism in plants similar to Rev-NES-mediated RNP export in other organisms.
Stuger
Rogier
R
Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Free University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Forreiter
Christoph
C
D021581:Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D011523:Protoplasts / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018749:RNA, Plant / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014026:Nicotiana / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics
D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D010940:Plant Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018749:RNA, Plant; C038753:leptomycin B