Classical nuclear localization signals: definition, function, and interaction with importin alpha.
The best understood system for the transport of macromolecules between the cytoplasm and the nucleus is the classical nuclear import pathway. In this pathway, a protein containing a classical basic nuclear localization signal (NLS) is imported by a heterodimeric import receptor consisting of the beta-karyopherin importin beta, which mediates interactions with the nuclear pore complex, and the adaptor protein importin alpha, which directly binds the classical NLS. Here we review recent studies that have advanced our understanding of this pathway and also take a bioinformatics approach to analyze the likely prevalence of this system in vivo. Finally, we describe how a predicted NLS within a protein of interest can be confirmed experimentally to be functionally important.
Lange
Allison
A
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Mills
Ryan E
RE
Lange
Christopher J
CJ
Stewart
Murray
M
Devine
Scott E
SE
Corbett
Anita H
AH
D021581:Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D019913:Nuclear Localization Signals / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D022022:Nuclear Pore / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D028901:alpha Karyopherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D028961:beta Karyopherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D019913:Nuclear Localization Signals; D028901:alpha Karyopherins; D028961:beta Karyopherins