Cited by 71RNA Research and SplicingNuclear Structure and FunctionRNA and protein synthesis mechanisms

Importin α-Mediated Nuclear Import of Cytoplasmic Poly(A) Binding Protein Occurs as a Direct Consequence of Cytoplasmic mRNA Depletion

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Kumar, G. Renuka, Shum, Leona, Glaunsinger, Britt A.·2011·Molecular and Cellular Biology

Abstract

Recent studies have found the cytoplasmic poly(A) binding protein (PABPC) to have opposing effects on gene expression when concentrated in the cytoplasm versus in the nucleus. PABPC is predominantly cytoplasmic at steady state, where it enhances protein synthesis through simultaneous interactions with mRNA and translation factors. However, it accumulates dramatically within the nucleus in response to various pathogenic and nonpathogenic stresses, leading to an inhibition of mRNA export. The molecular events that trigger relocalization of PABPC and the mechanisms by which it translocates into the nucleus to block gene expression are not understood. Here, we reveal an RNA-based mechanism of retaining PABPC in the cytoplasm. Expression either of viral proteins that promote mRNA turnover or of a cytoplasmic deadenylase drives nuclear relocalization of PABPC in a manner dependent on the PABPC RNA recognition motifs (RRMs). Using multiple independent binding sites within its RRMs, PABPC interacts with importin α, a component of the classical import pathway. Finally, we demonstrate that the direct association of PABPC with importin α is antagonized by the presence of poly(A) RNA, supporting a model in which RNA binding masks nuclear import signals within the PABPC RRMs, thereby ensuring efficient cytoplasmic retention of this protein in normal cells. These findings further suggest that cells must carefully calibrate the ratio of PABPC to mRNA, as events that offset this balance can dramatically influence gene expression.

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Authors
Kumar, G. R., Shum, L., & Glaunsinger, B. A.
Affiliations
University of California, Berkeley (US)
Venue
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Published
2011-08
Volume
31
Issue
15
Pages
3113-3125
ISSN
  • 0270-7306 (ISSN-L)
  • 1098-5549
OpenAlex
W2108309503
Cited by
71
References
79
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 10
FWCI
2.85
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • W. M. Keck Foundation
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Cancer Institute (R01CA136367)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › RNA Research and Splicing
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Nuclear Structure and Function
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
Keywords
poly(A)-binding protein, importin alpha, nuclear import, RNA recognition motif, mRNA turnover, deadenylase, polyadenylated RNA, protein relocalization, gene expression regulation
MeSH terms
Animals, Cell Nucleus, Chlorocebus aethiops, Cytoplasm, Gene Expression Regulation, HeLa Cells, Humans, Plasmids, RNA, Messenger, Protein Biosynthesis, Viral Proteins, Herpesvirus 1, Human, COS Cells, Active Transport, Cell Nucleus, alpha Karyopherins, Poly(A)-Binding Protein I, Immunoprecipitation, HEK293 Cells

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