Nucleolar targeting: the hub of the matter.
The nucleolus is a dynamic structure that has roles in various processes, from ribosome biogenesis to regulation of the cell cycle and the cellular stress response. Such functions are frequently mediated by the sequestration or release of nucleolar proteins. Our understanding of protein targeting to the nucleolus is much less complete than our knowledge of membrane-spanning translocation systems--such as those involved in nuclear targeting--and the experimental evidence reveals that few parallels exist with these better-characterized systems. Here, we discuss the current understanding of nucleolar targeting, explore the types of sequence that control the localization of a protein to the nucleolus, and speculate that certain subsets of nucleolar proteins might act as hub proteins that are able to bind to multiple protein targets. In parallel to other subnuclear structures, such as PML bodies, the proteins that are involved in the formation and maintenance of the nucleolus are inexorably linked to nucleolar trafficking.
Emmott
Edward
E
Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Garstang Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, England, UK.
Hiscox
Julian A
JA
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002466:Cell Nucleolus / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals / Q000235:genetics; D021381:Protein Transport; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals