Nuclear import of c-Jun is mediated by multiple transport receptors

Diagnostic and Prognostic Profiling of Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

One of the key features of eukaryotic cells is the separation of nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments by a double-layer nuclear envelope. This separation is crucial for timely regulation of gene expression, mRNA biogenesis, cell cycle, and differentiation. Since transcription takes place in the nucleus and the major part of translation in the cytoplasm, proper distribution of biomolecules between these two compartments is ensured by nucleocytoplasmic shuttling proteins - karyopherins. Karyopherins transport biomolecules through nuclear pores bidirectionally in collaboration with Ran GTPases and utilize GTP as the source of energy. Different karyopherins transport different cargo molecules that play important roles in the regulation of cell physiology. In cancer cells, this nucleocytoplasmic transport is significantly dysregulated to support increased demands for the import of cell cycle-promoting biomolecules and export of cell cycle inhibitors and mRNAs. Here, we analysed genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data from published datasets to comprehensively profile karyopherin genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. We have found out that expression of multiple karyopherin genes is increased in hepatocellular carcinoma in comparison to the normal liver, with importin subunit α-1, exportin 2, importin subunit β-1 and importin 9 being the most over-expressed. More-over, we have found that increased expression of these genes is associated with higher neoplasm grade as well as significantly worse overall survival of liver cancer patients. Taken together, our bioinformatic data-mining analysis provides a comprehensive geno-mic and transcriptomic landscape of karyopherins in hepatocellular carcinoma and identifies potential members that could be targeted in order to develop new treatment regimens.

Recognition motifs for importin 4 [(L)PPRS(G/P)P] and importin 5 [KP(K/Y)LV] binding, identified by bio-informatic simulation and experimental in vitro validation

Nuclear translocation of large proteins is mediated through karyopherins, carrier proteins recognizing specific motifs of cargo proteins, known as nuclear localization signals (NLS). However, only few NLS signals have been reported until now. In the present work, NLS signals for Importins 4 and 5 were identified through an unsupervised in silico approach, followed by experimental in vitro validation. The sequences LPPRS(G/P)P and KP(K/Y)LV were identified and are proposed as recognition motifs for Importins 4 and 5 binding, respectively. They are involved in the trafficking of important proteins into the nucleus. These sequences were validated in the breast cancer cell line T47D, which expresses both Importins 4 and 5. Elucidating the complex relationships of the nuclear transporters and their cargo proteins is very important in better understanding the mechanism of nuclear transport of proteins and laying the foundation for the development of novel therapeutics, targeting specific importins.

Halting ErbB-2 isoforms retrograde transport to the nucleus as a new theragnostic approach for triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is clinically defined by the absence of estrogen and progesterone receptors and the lack of membrane overexpression or gene amplification of receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB-2/HER2. Due to TNBC heterogeneity, clinical biomarkers and targeted therapies for this disease remain elusive. We demonstrated that ErbB-2 is localized in the nucleus (NErbB-2) of TNBC cells and primary tumors, from where it drives growth. We also discovered that TNBC expresses both wild-type ErbB-2 (WTErbB-2) and alternative ErbB-2 isoform c (ErbB-2c). Here, we revealed that the inhibitors of the retrograde transport Retro-2 and its cyclic derivative Retro-2.1 evict both WTErbB-2 and ErbB-2c from the nucleus of BC cells and tumors. Using BC cells from several molecular subtypes, as well as normal breast cells, we demonstrated that Retro-2 specifically blocks proliferation of BC cells expressing NErbB-2. Importantly, Retro-2 eviction of both ErbB-2 isoforms from the nucleus resulted in a striking growth abrogation in multiple TNBC preclinical models, including tumor explants and xenografts. Our mechanistic studies in TNBC cells revealed that Retro-2 induces a differential accumulation of WTErbB-2 at the early endosomes and the plasma membrane, and of ErbB-2c at the Golgi, shedding new light both on Retro-2 action on endogenous protein cargoes undergoing retrograde transport, and on the biology of ErbB-2 splicing variants. In addition, we revealed that the presence of a functional signal peptide and a nuclear export signal (NES), both located at the N-terminus of WTErbB-2, and absent in ErbB-2c, accounts for the differential subcellular distribution of ErbB-2 isoforms upon Retro-2 treatment. Our present discoveries provide evidence for the rational repurposing of Retro-2 as a novel therapeutic agent for TNBC.

Nuclear-Import Receptors Counter Deleterious Phase Transitions in Neurodegenerative Disease

Nuclear-import receptors (NIRs) engage nuclear-localization signals (NLSs) of polypeptides in the cytoplasm and transport these cargo across the size-selective barrier of the nuclear-pore complex into the nucleoplasm. Beyond this canonical role in nuclear transport, NIRs operate in the cytoplasm to chaperone and disaggregate NLS-bearing clients. Indeed, NIRs can inhibit and reverse functional and deleterious phase transitions of their cargo, including several prominent neurodegenerative disease-linked RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) with prion-like domains (PrLDs), such as TDP-43, FUS, EWSR1, TAF15, hnRNPA1, and hnRNPA2. Importantly, elevated NIR expression can mitigate degenerative phenotypes connected to aberrant cytoplasmic aggregation of RBPs with PrLDs. Here, we review recent discoveries that NIRs can also antagonize aberrant interactions and toxicity of arginine-rich, dipeptide-repeat proteins that are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) caused by G4C2 hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the first intron of C9ORF72. We also highlight recent findings that multiple NIR family members can prevent and reverse liquid-liquid phase separation of specific clients bearing RGG motifs in an NLS-independent manner. Finally, we discuss strategies to enhance NIR activity or expression, which could have therapeutic utility for several neurodegenerative disorders, including ALS, FTD, multisystem proteinopathy, limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, tauopathies, and related diseases.

TNPO2 variants associate with human developmental delays, neurologic deficits, and dysmorphic features and alter TNPO2 activity in Drosophila

Transportin-2 (TNPO2) mediates multiple pathways including non-classical nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of >60 cargoes, such as developmental and neuronal proteins. We identified 15 individuals carrying de novo coding variants in TNPO2 who presented with global developmental delay (GDD), dysmorphic features, ophthalmologic abnormalities, and neurological features. To assess the nature of these variants, functional studies were performed in Drosophila. We found that fly dTnpo (orthologous to TNPO2) is expressed in a subset of neurons. dTnpo is critical for neuronal maintenance and function as downregulating dTnpo in mature neurons using RNAi disrupts neuronal activity and survival. Altering the activity and expression of dTnpo using mutant alleles or RNAi causes developmental defects, including eye and wing deformities and lethality. These effects are dosage dependent as more severe phenotypes are associated with stronger dTnpo loss. Interestingly, similar phenotypes are observed with dTnpo upregulation and ectopic expression of TNPO2, showing that loss and gain of Transportin activity causes developmental defects. Further, proband-associated variants can cause more or less severe developmental abnormalities compared to wild-type TNPO2 when ectopically expressed. The impact of the variants tested seems to correlate with their position within the protein. Specifically, those that fall within the RAN binding domain cause more severe toxicity and those in the acidic loop are less toxic. Variants within the cargo binding domain show tissue-dependent effects. In summary, dTnpo is an essential gene in flies during development and in neurons. Further, proband-associated de novo variants within TNPO2 disrupt the function of the encoded protein. Hence, TNPO2 variants are causative for neurodevelopmental abnormalities.

Novel small molecule inhibitor of Kpnβ1 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells

Karyopherin beta 1 (Kpnβ1) is a major nuclear import receptor that mediates the import of cellular cargoes into the nucleus. Recently it has been shown that Kpnβ1 is highly expressed in several cancers, and its inhibition by siRNA induces apoptotic cancer cell death, while having little effect on non-cancer cells. This study investigated the effect of a novel small molecule, Inhibitor of Nuclear Import-60 (INI-60), on cancer cell biology, as well as nuclear import activities associated with Kpnβ1, and cancer progression in vivo using cervical and oesophageal cancer cell lines. INI-60 treatment resulted in the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, and induced a G1/S cell cycle arrest, followed by cancer cell death via apoptosis. Non-cancer cells were minimally affected by INI-60 at concentrations that inhibited cancer cells. INI-60 treatment altered the localisation of Kpnβ1 and its cargoes, NFκB/p65, NFAT and AP-1, and the overexpression of Kpnβ1 reduced INI-60 cytotoxicity. INI-60 also inhibited KYSE 30 oesophageal cancer cell line growth in vivo. Taken together, these results show that INI-60 inhibits the nuclear import of Kpnβ1 cargoes and interferes with cancer cell biology. INI-60 presents as a potential therapeutic approach for cancers of different tissue origins and warrants further investigation as a novel anti-cancer agent.

The RNA-binding protein FUS is chaperoned and imported into the nucleus by a network of import receptors

Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is a predominantly nuclear RNA-binding protein with key functions in RNA processing and DNA damage repair. Defects in nuclear import of FUS have been linked to severe neurodegenerative diseases; hence, it is of great interest to understand this process and how it is dysregulated in disease. Transportin-1 (TNPO1) and the closely related transportin-2 have been identified as major nuclear import receptors of FUS. They bind to the C-terminal nuclear localization signal of FUS and mediate the protein's nuclear import and at the same time also suppress aberrant phase transitions of FUS in the cytoplasm. Whether FUS can utilize other nuclear transport receptors for the purpose of import and chaperoning has not been examined so far. Here, we show that FUS directly binds to different import receptors in vitro. FUS formed stable complexes not only with TNPO1 but also with transportin-3, importin β, importin 7, or the importin β/7 heterodimer. Binding of these alternative import receptors required arginine residues within FUS-RG/RGG motifs and was weakened by arginine methylation. Interaction with these importins suppressed FUS phase separation and reduced its sequestration into stress granules. In a permeabilized cell system, we further showed that transportin-3 had the capacity to import FUS into the nucleus, albeit with lower efficiency than TNPO1. Our data suggest that aggregation-prone RNA-binding proteins such as FUS may utilize a network of importins for chaperoning and import, similar to histones and ribosomal proteins.

The sequence [EKRKI(E/R)(K/L/R/S/T)] is a nuclear localization signal for importin 7 binding (NLS7)

BACKGROUND

Nuclear translocation of large proteins is mediated through specific protein carriers, collectively named karyopherins (importins, exportins and adaptor proteins). Cargo proteins are recognized by importins through specific motifs, known as nuclear localization signals (NLS). However, only the NLS recognized by importin α and transportin (M9 NLS) have been identified so far METHODS: An unsupervised in silico approach was used, followed by experimental validation.

RESULTS

We identified the sequence EKRKI(E/R)(K/L/R/S/T) as an NLS signal for importin 7 recognition. This sequence was validated in the breast cancer cell line T47D, which expresses importin 7. Finally, we verified that importin 7-mediated nuclear protein transport is affected by cargo protein phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

The NLS sequence for importin 7 was identified and we propose this approach as an identification method of novel specific NLS sequences for β-karyopherin family members.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Elucidating the complex relationships of the nuclear transporters and their cargo proteins may help in laying the foundation for the development of novel therapeutics, targeting specific importins, with an immediate translational impact.

Selective antagonism of cJun for cancer therapy

The activator protein-1 (AP-1) family of transcription factors modulate a diverse range of cellular signalling pathways into outputs which can be oncogenic or anti-oncogenic. The transcription of relevant genes is controlled by the cellular context, and in particular by the dimeric composition of AP-1. Here, we describe the evidence linking cJun in particular to a range of cancers. This includes correlative studies of protein levels in patient tumour samples and mechanistic understanding of the role of cJun in cancer cell models. This develops an understanding of cJun as a focal point of cancer-altered signalling which has the potential for therapeutic antagonism. Significant work has produced a range of small molecules and peptides which have been summarised here and categorised according to the binding surface they target within the cJun-DNA complex. We highlight the importance of selectively targeting a single AP-1 family member to antagonise known oncogenic function and avoid antagonism of anti-oncogenic function.

Complex Formation with Monomeric α-Tubulin and Importin 13 Fosters c-Jun Protein Stability and Is Required for c-Jun's Nuclear Translocation and Activity

Microtubules are highly dynamic structures, which consist of α- and β-tubulin heterodimers. They are essential for a number of cellular processes, including intracellular trafficking and mitosis. Tubulin-binding chemotherapeutics are used to treat different types of tumors, including malignant melanoma. The transcription factor c-Jun is a central driver of melanoma development and progression. Here, we identify the microtubule network as a main regulator of c-Jun activity. Monomeric α-tubulin fosters c-Jun protein stability by protein-protein interaction. In addition, this complex formation is necessary for c-Jun's nuclear localization sequence binding to importin 13, and consequent nuclear import and activity of c-Jun. A reduction in monomeric α-tubulin levels by treatment with the chemotherapeutic paclitaxel resulted in a decline in the nuclear accumulation of c-Jun in melanoma cells in an experimental murine model and in patients' tissues. These findings add important knowledge to the mechanism of the action of microtubule-targeting drugs and indicate the newly discovered regulation of c-Jun by the microtubule cytoskeleton as a novel therapeutic target for melanoma and potentially also other types of cancer.

The Extracellular Matrix Receptor Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 Regulates Collagen Transcription by Translocating to the Nucleus

BACKGROUND

The discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is activated by collagens, upregulated in injured and fibrotic kidneys, and contributes to fibrosis by regulating extracellular matrix production, but how DDR1 controls fibrosis is poorly understood. DDR1 is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK). RTKs can translocate to the nucleus via a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) present on the receptor itself or a ligand it is bound to. In the nucleus, RTKs regulate gene expression by binding chromatin directly or by interacting with transcription factors.

METHODS

To determine whether DDR1 translocates to the nucleus and whether this event is mediated by collagen-induced DDR1 activation, we generated renal cells expressing wild-type or mutant forms of DDR1 no longer able to bind collagen. Then, we determined the location of the DDR1 upon collagen stimulation. Using both biochemical assays and immunofluorescence, we analyzed the steps involved in DDR1 nuclear translocation.

RESULTS

We show that although DDR1 and its natural ligand, collagen, lack an NLS, DDR1 is present in the nucleus of injured human and mouse kidney proximal tubules. We show that DDR1 nuclear translocation requires collagen-mediated receptor activation and interaction of DDR1 with SEC61B, a component of the Sec61 translocon, and nonmuscle myosin IIA and β-actin. Once in the nucleus, DDR1 binds to chromatin to increase the transcription of collagen IV, a major collagen upregulated in fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal a novel mechanism whereby activated DDR1 translates to the nucleus to regulate synthesis of profibrotic molecules.

Identification of a nuclear localization signal and importin beta members mediating NUAK1 nuclear import inhibited by oxidative stress

NUAK1 is a serine/threonine kinase member of the AMPK-α family. NUAK1 regulates several processes in tumorigenesis; however, its regulation and molecular targets are still poorly understood. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the majority of NUAK1 localizes in the nucleus. However, there are no studies about the regulation of NUAK1 subcellular distribution. Here, we analyzed NUAK1 localization in several human cell lines, mouse embryo fibroblasts, and normal mouse tissues. We found that NUAK1 is located in the nucleus and also in the cytoplasm. Through bioinformatics analysis and studies comparing subcellular localization of wild type and NUAK1 mutants, we identified a conserved bipartite nuclear localization signal at the N-terminal domain of NUAK1. Based on mass spectrometry analysis, we found that NUAK1 interacts with importin-β members including importin-β1 (KPNB1), importin-7 (IPO7), and importin-9 (IPO9). We confirmed that importin-β members are responsible for NUAK1 nuclear import through the inhibition of importin-β by Importazole and the knockdown of either IPO7 or IPO9. In addition, we found that oxidative stress induces NUAK1 cytoplasmic accumulation, indicating that oxidative stress affects NUAK1 nuclear transport. Thus, our study is the first evidence of an active nuclear transport mechanism regulating NUAK1 subcellular localization. These data will lead to investigations of the molecular targets of NUAK1 according to its subcellular distribution, which could be new biomarkers or targets for cancer therapies.

Nuclear Actin: From Discovery to Function

While actin was discovered in the nucleus over 50 years ago, research lagged for decades due to strong skepticism. The revitalization of research into nuclear actin occurred after it was found that cellular stresses induce the nuclear localization and alter the structure of actin. These studies provided the first hints that actin has a nuclear function. Subsequently, it was established that the nuclear import and export of actin is highly regulated. While the structures of nuclear actin remain unclear, it can function as monomers, polymers, and even rods. Furthermore, even within a given structure, distinct pools of nuclear actin that can be differentially labeled have been identified. Numerous mechanistic studies have uncovered an array of functions for nuclear actin. It regulates the activity of RNA polymerases, as well as specific transcription factors. Actin also modulates the activity of several chromatin remodeling complexes and histone deacetylases, to ultimately impinge on transcriptional programing and DNA damage repair. Further, nuclear actin mediates chromatin movement and organization. It has roles in meiosis and mitosis, and these functions may be functionally conserved from ancient bacterial actin homologs. The structure and integrity of the nuclear envelope and sub-nuclear compartments are also regulated by nuclear actin. Furthermore, nuclear actin contributes to human diseases like cancer, neurodegeneration, and myopathies. Here, we explore the early discovery of actin in the nucleus and discuss the forms and functions of nuclear actin in both normal and disease contexts. Anat Rec, 301:1999-2013, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

NOS1 mediates AP1 nuclear translocation and inflammatory response

A hallmark of the AP1 functioning is its nuclear translocation, which induces proinflammatory cytokine expression and hence the inflammatory response. After endotoxin shock AP1 transcription factor, which comprises Jun, ATF2, and Fos family of proteins, translocates into the nucleus and induces proinflammatory cytokine expression. In the current study, we found, NOS1 inhibition prevents nuclear translocation of the AP1 transcription factor subunits. Pharmacological inhibition of NOS1 impedes translocation of subunits into the nucleus, suppressing the transcription of inflammatory genes causing a diminished inflammatory response. In conclusion, the study shows the novel mechanism of NOS1- mediated AP1 nuclear translocation, which needs to be further explored.

KPNB1-mediated nuclear import is required for motility and inflammatory transcription factor activity in cervical cancer cells

Karyopherin β1 is a nuclear import protein involved in the transport of proteins containing a nuclear localisation sequence. Elevated Karyopherin β1 expression has been reported in cancer and transformed cells and is essential for cancer cell proliferation and survival. Transcription factors such as NFĸB and AP-1 contain a nuclear localisation sequence and initiate the expression of multiple factors associated with inflammation and cancer cell biology. Our study investigated the effect of inhibiting nuclear import via Karyopherin β1 on cancer cell motility and inflammatory signaling using siRNA and the novel small molecule, Inhibitor of Nuclear Import-43, INI-43. Inhibition of Karyopherin β1 led to reduced migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Karyopherin β1 is essential for the translocation of NFĸB into the nucleus as nuclear import inhibition caused its cytoplasmic retention and decreased transcriptional activity. A similar decrease was seen in AP-1 transcriptional activity upon Karyopherin β1 inhibition. Consequently reduced interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, tumour necrosis factor alpha and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor expression, target genes of NFkB and AP-1, was observed. Migration studies inhibiting individual transcription factors suggested that INI-43 may affect a combination of signaling events. Our study provides further evidence that inhibiting KPNB1 has anti-cancer effects and shows promise as a chemotherapeutic target.

Transcription factors SF1 and cJUN cooperate to activate the Fdx1 promoter in MA-10 Leydig cells

The Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) protein supports steroid biosynthesis in steroidogenic cells through electron transfer to the rate-limiting steroidogenic enzyme, CYP11A1. The latter catalyzes the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone through side chain cleavage inside the mitochondria. Thus far, only several transcription factors have been implicated in the regulation of mouse Fdx1 promoter activity in Leydig cells. These include the nuclear receptor SF1 and SP1. Since two conserved regulatory elements for AP1 transcription factors have been located at -764 and -617bp of the Fdx1 promoter, we hypothesized that cJUN may cooperate with other partners to regulate Fdx1 in Leydig cells. Indeed, we report that SF1 and cJUN interact and cooperate to activate the Fdx1 promoter in MA-10 and TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, we found that such activation requires different regulatory elements located between -124 and -306bp of the Fdx1 promoter and involves recruitment of SF1 to this region. Using RNA interference, the importance of SF1 in transcriptional regulation of Fdx1 was confirmed, whereas cJUN was dispensable even though it cooperated with SF1 to upregulate Fdx1 expression in MA-10 cells. Thus, our data provides new insights in the molecular mechanisms that control mouse Fdx1 transcription, possibly leading to regulation of CYP11A1 enzyme activation, in Leydig cells.

Importins and exportins as therapeutic targets in cancer

The nuclear transport proteins, importins and exportins (karyopherin-β proteins), may play an important role in cancer by transporting key mediators of oncogenesis across the nuclear membrane in cancer cells. During nucleocytoplasmic transport of tumor suppressor proteins and cell cycle regulators during the processing of these proteins, aberrant cellular growth signaling and inactivation of apoptosis can occur, both critical to growth and development of tumors. Karyopherin-β proteins bind to these cargo proteins and RanGTP for active transport across the nuclear membrane through the nuclear pore complex. Importins and exportins are overexpressed in multiple tumors including melanoma, pancreatic, breast, colon, gastric, prostate, esophageal, lung cancer, and lymphomas. Furthermore, some of the karyopherin-β proteins such as exportin-1 have been implicated in drug resistance in cancer. Importin and exportin inhibitors are being considered as therapeutic targets against cancer and have shown preclinical anticancer activity. Moreover, synergistic activity has been observed with various chemotherapeutic and targeted agents. However, clinical development of the exportin-1 inhibitor leptomycin B was stopped due to adverse events, including vomiting, anorexia, and dehydration. Selinexor, a selective nuclear export inhibitor, is being tested in multiple clinical trials both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy. Selinexor has demonstrated clinical activity in multiple cancers, especially acute myelogenous leukemia and multiple myeloma. The roles of other importin and exportin inhibitors still need to be investigated clinically. Targeting the key mediators of nucleocytoplasmic transport in cancer cells represents a novel strategy in cancer intervention with the potential to significantly affect outcomes.

14-3-3σ Gene Loss Leads to Activation of the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Due to the Stabilization of c-Jun Protein

Loss of 14-3-3σ has been observed in multiple tumor types; however, the mechanisms by which 14-3-3σ loss leads to tumor progression are not understood. The experiments in this report demonstrate that loss of 14-3-3σ leads to a decrease in the expression of epithelial markers and an increase in the expression of mesenchymal markers, which is indicative of an induction of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The EMT was accompanied by an increase in migration and invasion in the 14-3-3σ(-/-) cells. 14-3-3σ(-/-) cells show increased stabilization of c-Jun, resulting in an increase in the expression of the EMT transcription factor slug. 14-3-3σ induces the ubiquitination and degradation of c-Jun in an FBW7-dependent manner. c-Jun ubiquitination is dependent on the presence of an intact nuclear export pathway as c-Jun is stabilized and localized to the nucleus in the presence of a nuclear export inhibitor. Furthermore, the absence of 14-3-3σ leads to the nuclear accumulation and stabilization of c-Jun, suggesting that 14-3-3σ regulates the subcellular localization of c-Jun. Our results have identified a novel mechanism by which 14-3-3σ maintains the epithelial phenotype by inhibiting EMT and suggest that this property of 14-3-3σ might contribute to its function as a tumor suppressor gene.

Nuclear import of the thyroid hormone receptor α1 is mediated by importin 7, importin β1, and adaptor importin α1

The thyroid hormone receptor α1 (TRα1) is a nuclear receptor for thyroid hormone that shuttles rapidly between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Our prior studies showed that nuclear import of TRα1 is directed by two nuclear localization signals, one in the N-terminal A/B domain and the other in the hinge domain. Here, we showed using in vitro nuclear import assays that TRα1 nuclear localization is temperature and energy-dependent and can be reconstituted by the addition of cytosol. In HeLa cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged TRα1, knockdown of importin 7, importin β1 and importin α1 by RNA interference, or treatment with an importin β1-specific inhibitor, significantly reduced nuclear localization of TRα1, while knockdown of other importins had no effect. Coimmunoprecipitation assays confirmed that TRα1 interacts with importin 7, as well as importin β1 and the adapter importin α1, suggesting that TRα1 trafficking into the nucleus is mediated by two distinct pathways.

Nuclear localization signals for four distinct karyopherin-β nuclear import systems

The Karyopherin-β family of proteins mediates nuclear transport of macromolecules. Nuclear versus cytoplasmic localization of proteins is often suggested by the presence of NLSs (nuclear localization signals) or NESs (nuclear export signals). Import-Karyopherin-βs or Importins bind to NLSs in their protein cargos to transport them through nuclear pore complexes into the nucleus. Until recently, only two classes of NLS had been biochemically and structurally characterized: the classical NLS, which is recognized by the Importin-α/β heterodimer and the PY-NLS (proline-tyrosine NLS), which is recognized by Karyopherin-β2 or Transportin-1. Structures of two other Karyopherin-βs, Kap121 and Transportin-SR2, in complex with their respective cargos were reported for the first time recently, revealing two new distinct classes of NLSs. The present paper briefly describes the classical NLS, reviews recent literature on the PY-NLS and provides in-depth reviews of the two newly discovered classes of NLSs that bind Kap121p and Transportin-SR respectively.

Transcriptional control of autophagy-lysosome function drives pancreatic cancer metabolism

Activation of cellular stress response pathways to maintain metabolic homeostasis is emerging as a critical growth and survival mechanism in many cancers. The pathogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) requires high levels of autophagy, a conserved self-degradative process. However, the regulatory circuits that activate autophagy and reprogram PDA cell metabolism are unknown. Here we show that autophagy induction in PDA occurs as part of a broader transcriptional program that coordinates activation of lysosome biogenesis and function, and nutrient scavenging, mediated by the MiT/TFE family of transcription factors. In human PDA cells, the MiT/TFE proteins--MITF, TFE3 and TFEB--are decoupled from regulatory mechanisms that control their cytoplasmic retention. Increased nuclear import in turn drives the expression of a coherent network of genes that induce high levels of lysosomal catabolic function essential for PDA growth. Unbiased global metabolite profiling reveals that MiT/TFE-dependent autophagy-lysosome activation is specifically required to maintain intracellular amino acid pools. These results identify the MiT/TFE proteins as master regulators of metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer and demonstrate that transcriptional activation of clearance pathways converging on the lysosome is a novel hallmark of aggressive malignancy.

CD44 regulates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via modulation of c-Src transcription in human breast cancer cells

CD44 was recently identified as a cancer initiation marker on the cell membrane. The cytoplasmic tail of CD44 is known to bind ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins, cytoskeletal proteins like ankyrin, and the non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Src. CD44 transmits its oncogenic signaling via c-Src and its downstream effectors. To investigate the role of CD44 in breast cancer cells, we generated CD44 knock-down cells via retroviral delivery of shRNA against CD44. We found that silencing of CD44 decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. The expression and activity of cell migration-related proteins, including c-Src, paxillin, and FAK were decreased by CD44 silencing. We also found that the c-Jun protein level was negatively regulated via induction of a GSK-3β-dependent degradation pathway in CD44 knock-down cells. The expression level of Sp1, a target gene product of c-Jun, was also decreased in these cells. Finally, CD44 knock-down suppressed both mRNA and protein levels of c-Src and its downstream MAPK pathway as a result of down-regulation of Sp1 as a transcription factor for c-Src. Collectively, these results indicate that biological changes induced by CD44 silencing are mediated by cumulative down-regulation of c-Jun, Sp1, and c-Src in human breast cancer cells.

NAG-1/GDF15 accumulates in the nucleus and modulates transcriptional regulation of the Smad pathway

Protein dynamics, modifications, and trafficking are all processes that can modulate protein activity. Accumulating evidence strongly suggests that many proteins play distinctive roles dependent on cellular location. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug activated gene-1 (NAG-1) is a TGF-β superfamily protein that plays a role in cancer, obesity, and inflammation. NAG-1 is synthesized and cleaved into a mature peptide, which is ultimately secreted into the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we have found that full-length NAG-1 is expressed in not only the cytoplasm and ECM, but also in the nucleus. NAG-1 is dynamically moved to the nucleus, exported into cytoplasm, and further transported into the ECM. We have also found that nuclear NAG-1 contributes to inhibition of the Smad pathway by interrupting the Smad complex. Overall, our study indicates that NAG-1 is localized in the nucleus and provides new evidence that NAG-1 controls transcriptional regulation in the Smad pathway.

Transportin-1 and Transportin-2: protein nuclear import and beyond

Nearly 20 years after its identification as a new β-karyopherin mediating the nuclear import of the RNA-binding protein hnRNP A1, Transportin-1 is still commonly overlooked in comparison with its best known cousin, Importin-β. Transportin-1 is nonetheless a considerable player in nucleo-cytoplasmic transport. Over the past few years, significant progress has been made in the characterization of the nuclear localization signals (NLSs) that Transportin-1 recognizes, thereby providing the molecular basis of its diversified repertoire of cargoes. The recent discovery that mutations in the Transportin-dependent NLS of FUS cause mislocalization of this protein and result in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis illustrates the importance of Transportin-dependent import for human health. Besides, new functions of Transportin-1 are emerging in processes other than nuclear import. Here, we summarize what is known about Transportin-1 and the related β-karyopherin Transportin-2.

A bimodular nuclear localization signal assembled via an extended double-stranded RNA-binding domain acts as an RNA-sensing signal for transportin 1

The human RNA-editing enzyme adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR1) carries a unique nuclear localization signal (NLS) that overlaps one of its double-stranded RNA-binding domains (dsRBDs). This dsRBD-NLS is recognized by the nuclear import receptor transportin 1 (Trn1; also called karyopherin-β2) in an RNA-sensitive manner. Most Trn1 cargos bear a well-characterized proline-tyrosine-NLS, which is missing from the dsRBD-NLS. Here, we report the structure of the dsRBD-NLS, which reveals an unusual dsRBD fold extended by an additional N-terminal α-helix that brings the N- and C-terminal flanking regions in close proximity. We demonstrate experimentally that the atypical ADAR1-NLS is bimodular and is formed by the combination of the two flexible fragments flanking the folded domain. The intervening dsRBD acts only as an RNA-sensing scaffold, allowing the two NLS modules to be properly positioned for interacting with Trn1. We also provide a structural model showing how Trn1 can recognize the dsRBD-NLS and how dsRNA binding can interfere with Trn1 binding.

Increased expression of c-Jun in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Overnutrition is the major cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We aimed to develop and characterize a murine model, which resembles both the pathology and nutritional situation, of NASH patients in Western societies. Mice were fed with a NASH-inducing diet (ND) containing sucrose, cholesterol and fats rich in saturated fatty acids in a composition, which mimics Western food. After 12 weeks, ND-fed mice revealed obesity and impaired glucose tolerance. In the liver, ND-feeding led to marked steatosis, hepatocellular damage, inflammation and beginning fibrosis. Transcriptome-wide gene expression analysis and search for over-represented transcription factor target sites among the differentially expressed genes identified activator protein-1 (AP-1) as the most likely factor to cause the transcriptional changes in ND livers. Combining differentially expressed gene and protein-protein interaction network analysis identified c-Jun as hub in the largest connected deregulated sub-network in ND livers. Accordingly, ND livers revealed c-Jun-phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Moreover, hepatic c-Jun expression was enhanced in ND-fed mice. Combined tissue microarray technology and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed enhanced hepatic c-Jun levels in NAFLD patients, which correlated with inflammation, and notably, with the degree of hepatic steatosis. In summary, our new mouse model shows important pathological changes also found in human NASH and indicates c-Jun/AP-1 activation as critical regulator of hepatic alterations. Abundance of c-Jun in NAFLD likely facilitates development and progression of NASH.

Importins and exportins regulating allergic immune responses

Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of macromolecules is a well-controlled process involving importins and exportins. These karyopherins recognize and bind to receptor-mediated intracellular signals through specific signal sequences that are present on cargo proteins and transport into and out of the nucleus through nuclear pore complexes. Nuclear localization signals (NLS) present on cargo molecules to be imported while nuclear export signals (NES) on the molecules to be exported are recognized by importins and exportins, respectively. The classical NLS are found on many transcription factors and molecules that are involved in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. In addition, several immune modulators, including corticosteroids and vitamin D, elicit their cellular responses by regulating the expression and activity of importin molecules. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive list of importin and exportin molecules and their specific cargo that shuttled between cytoplasm and the nucleus. We also critically review the role and regulation of specific importin and exportin involved in the transport of activated transcription factors in allergic diseases, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the potential target sites for developing better therapeutic approaches.

Beta-like importins mediate the nuclear translocation of mitogen-activated protein kinases

The rapid nuclear translocation of signaling proteins upon stimulation is important for the regulation of de novo gene expression. We have studied the stimulated nuclear shuttling of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and found that they translocate into the nucleus in a Ran-dependent, but NLS- or NTS-independent, manner, unrelated to their catalytic activity. We show that this translocation involves three β-like importins, importins 3, 7, and 9 (Imp3/7/9). Knockdown of these importins inhibits the nuclear translocation of the MAPKs and, thereby, activation of their transcription factor targets. We further demonstrate that the translocation requires the stimulated formation of heterotrimers composed of Imp3/Imp7/MAPK or Imp3/Imp9/MAPK. JNK1/2 and p38α/β bind to either Imp7 or Imp9 upon stimulated posttranslational modification of the two Imps, while Imp3 joins the complex after its stimulation-induced phosphorylation. Once formed, these heterotrimers move to the nuclear envelope, where importin 3 remains, while importins 7 and 9 escort the MAPKs into the nucleus. These results suggest that β-like importins are central mediators of stimulated nuclear translocation of signaling proteins and therefore add a central level of regulation to stimulated transcription.

Stimulated nuclear import by β-like importins

Classic nuclear shuttling is mediated by an importin-α∙β heterodimer that binds to cargoes containing a nuclear localization signal, and shuttles most nuclear proteins immediately after their translation. Aside from this canonical mechanism, kariopheryn-βs or β-like importins operate by binding to non-canonical nuclear localization signals to mediate translocation without the assistance of importin-α. The mechanism by which these components operate is much less understood and is currently under investigation. Recently, several β-like importins have been implicated in the stimulated nuclear translocation of signaling proteins. Here, we propose that this group of importins might be responsible for the swift nuclear shuttling of many proteins following various stimuli.

Nuclear import of aristaless-related homeobox protein via its NLS1 regulates its transcriptional function

Nucleocytoplasmic transport of transcription factors is essential in eukaryotes. We previously reported the presence of two functional NLSs in the homeodomain protein, aristaless-related homeobox (Arx) protein, which is a key transcriptional repressor of LMO1, SHOX2, and PAX4 during development. NLS2, that overlaps the homeodomain, is recognized directly by multiple importin βs, but not by importin αs. In this study, we found that the N-terminal NLS1 of Arx is targeted by multiple importin α proteins, including importin α3 and α5. Both in vivo and in vitro assays demonstrated that nuclear import of Arx via NLS1 is mediated by the importin α/β pathway. Mutagenesis analysis indicated that two basic amino acids, (84)K and (87)R, are essential to the function of NLS1, and that their mutation prevents interactions of Arx with importin αs. Interestingly, inhibition of nuclear import of Arx via NLS1 clearly attenuates its ability of transcriptional repression, suggesting that nuclear import of Arx via NLS1 contributes to its transcriptional function.

The nuclear import of oncoprotein hepatitis B X-interacting protein depends on interacting with c-Fos and phosphorylation of both proteins in breast cancer cells

Aberrant nuclear localization of oncogenic transcription factors and coactivators always leads to the development of cancer. We have reported that the oncoprotein hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP) acts as a novel transcriptional coactivator to promote proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. However, the mechanism of regulating the nuclear import of HBXIP remains unclear. In the present study, we found that HBXIP interacted with c-Fos through their leucine zipper domains in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the leucine zipper mutant of HBXIP (or c-Fos) was unavailable to bind to c-Fos (or HBXIP), resulting in the disappearance of nuclear localization of HBXIP. Moreover, we revealed that the nuclear import of HBXIP was required for phosphorylation of c-Fos at Thr(232), Thr(325), Thr(331), and Ser(374) by ERK1/2. In addition, the mutant of HBXIP at the Ser(108) phosphorylation site failed to import into the nucleus. Strikingly, we found that the kinase ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) phosphorylated HBXIP at Ser(108). The knockdown of ATM by siRNA remarkably decreased the levels of serine phosphorylation and blocked the nuclear import of HBXIP. Then, we identified that ATM could bind to HBXIP. Moreover, we validated that the nuclear import of HBXIP contributed to its nuclear function. Therefore, we conclude that the nuclear import of the oncoprotein HBXIP requires interaction with c-Fos through their leucine zipper domains and phosphorylation of both proteins in breast cancer cells. Thus, our findings provide new insights into the mechanism of the nuclear import of HBXIP. Therapeutically, the block of the nuclear import of HBXIP is significant in breast cancer.

The importance of oncogenic transcription factors for oral cancer pathogenesis and treatment

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current experimental evidence shows that most important risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption and less well-defined risks include viral infection and a diet deficient in antioxidants. The positive correlation between various risk/etiologic factors of oral cancer and the activation of various transcription factors (TFs) has been reported in the literature. Although initially, TFs were considered to be very difficult targets for use in clinical treatment, recent technological advances have provided the ability to control these factors of cancer progression. This review focuses on the role of oncogenic transcription factors in oral cancer, their modes of activation through various biological pathways, the promises and pitfalls in viewing them as potent oncotargets, the way they can be controlled based on the current understanding, and the future research to be done in this area.

Identification of a karyopherin β1/β2 proline-tyrosine nuclear localization signal in huntingtin protein

Among the known pathways of protein nuclear import, the karyopherin β2/transportin pathway is only the second to have a defined nuclear localization signal (NLS) consensus. Huntingtin, a 350-kDa protein, has defined roles in the nucleus, as well as a CRM1/exportin-dependent nuclear export signal; however, the NLS and exact pathway of import have remained elusive. Here, using a live cell assay and affinity chromatography, we show that huntingtin has a karyopherin β2-dependent proline-tyrosine (PY)-NLS in the amino terminus of the protein. This NLS comprises three consensus components: a basic charged sequence, a downstream conserved arginine, and a PY sequence. Unlike the classic PY-NLS, which has an unstructured intervening sequence between the consensus components, we show that a β sheet structured region separating the consensus elements is critical for huntingtin NLS function. The huntingtin PY-NLS is also capable of import through the importin/karyopherin β1 pathway but was not functional in all cell types tested. We propose that this huntingtin PY-NLS may comprise a new class of multiple import factor-dependent NLSs with an internal structural component that may regulate NLS activity.

c-Jun expression in human neuropathies: a pilot study

Schwann cell dedifferentiation following nerve injury is important to permit neural survival and axonal regrowth. Animal studies have shown that the transcription factor c-Jun is upregulated in Schwann cells of injured and pathological nerves where it acts as an important regulator of Schwann cell plasticity, promoting dedifferentiation and demyelination. This pilot immunohistochemical study investigates whether c-Jun is also upregulated in human neuropathies. We examined c-Jun expression in normal and diseased human nerves, as well as in dermal myelinated nerve fibres. Our findings show that although as predicted c-Jun is rarely expressed in normal nerves, it is expressed in Schwann cell nuclei of pathological nerves as predicted by animal studies. Pathological dermal myelinated nerve fibres also show clear nuclear c-Jun expression. Further studies of c-Jun expression will help clarify its role in human neuropathies.

MUC1 is a novel costimulatory molecule of human T cells and functions in an AP-1-dependent manner

MUC1 mucin, primarily known as an epithelial antigen, has been demonstrated to be expressed on activated human T cells. In the present study, we first examined the expression of MUC1 on different subsets of T cells (naive, effector, effector/memory). MUC1 appears to be strongly upregulated on activated CD4(+) T cells in comparison with CD8(+) T cells. The cytoplasmic tail of MUC1 contains both immune tyrosine-based activation and inhibitory motifs; therefore, we investigated whether MUC1 can also act as a costimulatory molecule on human T cells. Nonpurified T-cell cultures from human peripheral blood exhibited enhanced proliferation and an increase in cytokine production when CD3 and MUC1 were cross-linked and coligated. The intracellular mechanism of MUC1-mediated costimulation was determined to be mediated by the calcium-dependent NF-AT pathway. We further demonstrated that the cytoplasmic tail of MUC1 binds to the AP-1 transcription factors c-Fos and c-Jun, with c-Fos binding constitutively and c-Jun binding only after MUC1 stimulation. Their nuclear migration is then facilitated in a CD3-dependent manner. Our findings clearly demonstrate that MUC1 is a novel T-cell costimulatory molecule involved in immune regulation. These studies delineate important mechanisms of T-cell activation and regulation.

Active maintenance of nuclear actin by importin 9 supports transcription

Besides its essential and well established role as a component of the cytoskeleton, actin is also present in the cell nucleus, where it has been linked to many processes that control gene expression. For example, nuclear actin regulates the activity of specific transcription factors, associates with all three RNA polymerases, and is a component of many chromatin remodelling complexes. Despite the fact that two export receptors, Crm1 and exportin 6, have been linked to nuclear export of actin, the mechanism by which actin enters the nucleus to elicit these essential functions has not been determined. It is also unclear whether actin is actively exchanged between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and whether this connection has any functional significance for the cell. By applying a variety of live-cell imaging techniques we revealed that actin constantly shuttles in and out of the nucleus. The fast transport rates, which depend on the availability of actin monomers, suggest an active transport mechanism in both directions. Importantly, we identified importin 9 as the nuclear import factor for actin. Furthermore, our RNAi experiments showed that the active maintenance of nuclear actin levels by importin 9 is required for maximal transcriptional activity. Measurements of nuclear export rates and depletion studies also clarified that nuclear export of actin is mediated by exportin 6, and not by Crm1. These results demonstrate that cytoplasmic and nuclear actin pools are dynamically connected and identify the nuclear import and export mechanisms of actin.

The ERK Cascade: Distinct Functions within Various Subcellular Organelles

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) cascade is a central signaling pathway that regulates a wide variety of stimulated cellular processes, including mainly proliferation, differentiation, and survival, but apoptosis and stress response as well. The ability of this linear cascade to induce so many distinct and even opposing effects after various stimulations raises the question as to how the signaling specificity of the cascade is regulated. Over the past years, several specificity-mediating mechanisms have been elucidated, including temporal regulation, scaffolding interactions, crosstalks with other signaling components, substrate competition, and multiple components in each tier of the cascade. In addition, spatial regulation of various components of the cascade is probably one of the main ways by which signals can be directed to some downstream targets and not to others. In this review, we describe first the components of the ERK1/2 cascade and their mode of regulation by kinases, phosphatases, and scaffold proteins. In the second part, we focus on the role of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 compartmentalization in the nucleus, mitochondria, endosomes, plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, and Golgi apparatus. We explain that this spatial distribution may direct ERK1/2 signals to regulate the organelles' activities. However, it can also direct the activity of the cascade's components to the outer surface of the organelles in order to bring them to close proximity to specific cytoplasmic targets. We conclude that the dynamic localization of the ERK1/2 cascade components is an important regulatory mechanism in determining the signaling specificity of the cascade, and its understanding should shed a new light on the understanding of many stimulus-dependent processes.

Characterization of the interaction between the influenza A virus polymerase subunit PB1 and the host nuclear import factor Ran-binding protein 5

The influenza A virus RNA polymerase is a heterotrimer that transcribes and replicates the viral genome in the cell nucleus. Newly synthesized RNA polymerase subunits must therefore be imported into the nucleus during an infection. While various models have been proposed for this process, the consensus is that the polymerase basic protein PB1 and polymerase acidic protein PA subunits form a dimer in the cytoplasm and are transported into the nucleus by the beta-importin Ran-binding protein 5 (RanBP5), with the PB2 subunit imported separately to complete the trimeric complex. In this study, we characterized the interaction of PB1 with RanBP5 further and assessed its importance for viral growth. In particular, we found that the N-terminal region of PB1 mediates its binding to RanBP5 and that basic residues in a nuclear localization signal are required for RanBP5 binding. Mutating these basic residues to alanines does not prevent PB1 forming a dimer with PA, but does reduce RanBP5 binding. RanBP5-binding mutations reduce, though do not entirely prevent, the nuclear accumulation of PB1. Furthermore, mutations affecting RanBP5 binding are incompatible with or severely attenuate viral growth, providing further support for a key role for RanBP5 in the influenza A virus life cycle.

Nuclear extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 translocation is mediated by casein kinase 2 and accelerated by autophosphorylation

The extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK] family. Upon stimulation, these kinases translocate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where they induce physiological processes such as proliferation and differentiation. The mechanism of translocation of this kinase involves phosphorylation of two Ser residues within a nuclear translocation signal (NTS), which allows binding to importin7 and a subsequent penetration via nuclear pores. Here we show that the phosphorylation of both Ser residues is mediated mainly by casein kinase 2 (CK2) and that active ERK may assist in the phosphorylation of the N-terminal Ser. We also demonstrate that the phosphorylation is dependent on the release of ERK from cytoplasmic anchoring proteins. Crystal structure of the phosphomimetic ERK revealed that the NTS phosphorylation creates an acidic patch in ERK. Our model is that in resting cells ERK is bound to cytoplasmic anchors, which prevent its NTS phosphorylation. Upon stimulation, phosphorylation of the ERK TEY domain releases ERK and allows phosphorylation of its NTS by CK2 and active ERK to generate a negatively charged patch in ERK, binding to importin 7 and nuclear translocation. These results provide an important role of CK2 in regulating nuclear ERK activities.

c-Jun localizes to the nucleus independent of its phosphorylation by and interaction with JNK and vice versa promotes nuclear accumulation of JNK

In order to activate gene expression, transcription factors such as c-Jun have to reside in the nucleus. The abundance of c-Jun in the nucleus correlates with the activity of its target genes. As a consequence of excessive c-Jun activation, cells undergo apoptosis or changes in differentiation whereas decreased c-Jun function can reduce proliferation. In the present study we addressed how nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor c-Jun is regulated. First, we analyzed which functions of c-Jun are required for efficient nuclear accumulation. Mutants of c-Jun deficient in dimerization or DNA-binding show no defect in nuclear transport. Furthermore, c-Jun import into the nucleus of living cells occurred when the c-Jun phosphorylation sites were mutated as well in cells that lack the major c-Jun kinase, JNK, suggesting that c-Jun transport into the nucleus does not require JNK signaling. Conversely, however, binding of c-Jun seemed to enhance nuclear accumulation of JNK. In order to identify proteins that might be relevant for the nuclear translocation of c-Jun we searched for novel binding partners by a proteomic approach. In addition to the heat shock protein HSP70 and the DNA damage repair factors Ku70 and 80, we isolated human importin 8 as a novel interactor of c-Jun. Interaction of Imp 8 with c-Jun in human cells was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Nuclear accumulation of c-Jun does not require its functions as a transcription factor or the interaction with its kinase JNK. Interestingly, nuclear accumulation of JNK is regulated by interaction with c-Jun. Unraveling the mechanisms of c-Jun and JNK transport to the nucleus and its regulation will improve our understanding of their role in biological and pathophysiological processes.

The MAPK cascades: signaling components, nuclear roles and mechanisms of nuclear translocation

The MAPK cascades are central signaling pathways that regulate a wide variety of stimulated cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and stress response. Therefore, dysregulation, or improper functioning of these cascades, is involved in the induction and progression of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and developmental abnormalities. Many of these physiological, and pathological functions are mediated by MAPK-dependent transcription of various regulatory genes. In order to induce transcription and the consequent functions, the signals transmitted via the cascades need to enter the nucleus, where they may modulate the activity of transcription factors and chromatin remodeling enzymes. In this review, we briefly cover the composition of the MAPK cascades, as well as their physiological and pathological functions. We describe, in more detail, many of the important nuclear activities of the MAPK cascades, and we elaborate on the mechanisms of ERK1/2 translocation into the nucleus, including the identification of their nuclear translocation sequence (NTS) binding to the shuttling protein importin7. Overall, the nuclear translocation of signaling components may emerge as an important regulatory layer in the induction of cellular processes, and therefore, may serve as targets for therapeutic intervention in signaling-related diseases such as cancer and diabetes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Regulation of Signaling and Cellular Fate through Modulation of Nuclear Protein Import.

Nuclear import by karyopherin-βs: recognition and inhibition

Proteins in the karyopherin-β family mediate the majority of macromolecular transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Eleven of the 19 known human karyopherin-βs and 10 of the 14S. cerevisiae karyopherin-βs mediate nuclear import through recognition of nuclear localization signals or NLSs in their cargos. This receptor-mediated process is essential to cellular viability as proteins are translated in the cytoplasm but many have functional roles in the nucleus. Many known karyopherin-β-cargo interactions were discovered through studies of the individual cargos rather than the karyopherins, and this information is thus widely scattered in the literature. We consolidate information about cargos that are directly recognized by import-karyopherin-βs and review common characteristics or lack thereof among cargos of different import pathways. Knowledge of karyopherin-β-cargo interactions is also critical for the development of nuclear import inhibitors and the understanding of their mechanisms of inhibition. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Regulation of Signaling and Cellular Fate through Modulation of Nuclear Protein Import.

Notch1 signaling is mediated by importins alpha 3, 4, and 7

The Notch signaling pathway is an important regulation system for the development and self-renewal of different tissues. A specific feature of this signaling cascade is the function of Notch as a surface receptor and regulator of gene expression. Hence, Notch activation and signal transduction requires the proteolytic release of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD), which activates the transcription of cell-specific genes after its transport into the nucleus. To date, little is known about the mechanisms that mediate NICD nuclear import. We here show that transport of NICD into the nucleus is mediated by the canonical importin alpha/beta1 pathway. GST pull-down experiments revealed that NICD binds via one of its four potential nuclear localization signals to importins alpha3, alpha4, and alpha7, but not to alpha1 and alpha5. siRNA-mediated knockdown experiments showed that importins alpha3, alpha4 (and to a lesser extent, alpha7) mediate nuclear import of NICD and thus are directly involved in Notch signaling.

Heterodimerization with different Jun proteins controls c-Fos intranuclear dynamics and distribution

The c-Fos proto-oncogenic transcription factor defines a multigene family controlling many processes both at the cell and the whole organism level. To bind to its target AP-1/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-responsive element or cAMP-responsive element DNA sequences in gene promoters and exert its transcriptional part, c-Fos must heterodimerize with other bZip proteins, its best studied partners being the Jun proteins (c-Jun, JunB, and JunD). c-Fos expression is regulated at many transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, yet little is known on how its localization is dynamically regulated in the cell. Here we have investigated its intranuclear mobility using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, genetic, and biochemical approaches. Whereas monomeric c-Fos is highly mobile and distributed evenly with nucleolar exclusion in the nucleus, heterodimerization with c-Jun entails intranuclear redistribution and dramatic reduction in mobility of c-Fos caused by predominant association with the nuclear matrix independently of any binding to AP-1/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-responsive element or cAMP-responsive element sequences. In contrast to c-Jun, dimerization with JunB does not detectably affect c-Fos mobility. However, dimerization with JunB affects intranuclear distribution with significant differences in the localization of c-Fos.c-Jun and c-Fos.JunB dimers. Moreover, c-Jun and JunB exert comparable effects on another Fos family member, Fra-1. Thus, we report a novel regulation, i.e. differentially regulated intranuclear mobility and distribution of Fos proteins by their Jun partners, and suggest the existence of intranuclear storage sites for latent c-Fos.c-Jun AP-1 complexes. This may affect the numerous physiopathological functions these transcription factors control.

Ran overexpression leads to diminished T cell responses and selectively modulates nuclear levels of c-Jun and c-Fos

Ras-related nuclear protein (Ran) is a Ras family GTPase, and its documented functions are the regulation of DNA replication, cell cycle progression, nuclear structure formation, RNA processing and exportation, and nuclear protein importation. In this study, we performed detailed mapping of Ran expression during mouse ontogeny using in situ hybridization. High Ran expression was found in various organs and tissues including the thymus cortex and spleen white pulp. Ran was induced in T cells 24 h after their activation. The function of Ran in the immune system was investigated using Ran transgenic (Tg) mice. In Ran Tg T cells, there was compromised activation marker expression, lymphokine secretion, and proliferation upon T cell receptor activation in vitro when compared with wild type T cells. Tg mice also manifested defective delayed type hypersensitivity in vivo. Upon PMA and ionomycin stimulation, Tg T cells were defective in nuclear accumulation of AP-1 factors (c-Jun and c-Fos) but not NF-kappaB family members. Our experiments showed that Ran had important regulatory function in T cell activation. One of the possible mechanisms is that intracellular Ran protein levels control the nuclear retention for selective transcription factors such as c-Jun and c-Fos of AP-1, which is known to be critical in T cell activation and proliferation and lymphokine secretion.

ARHI (DIRAS3), an imprinted tumour suppressor gene, binds to importins and blocks nuclear import of cargo proteins

ARHI (aplasia Ras homologue member I; also known as DIRAS3) is an imprinted tumour suppressor gene, the expression of which is lost in the majority of breast and ovarian cancers. Unlike its homologues Ras and Rap, ARHI functions as a tumour suppressor. Our previous study showed that ARHI can interact with the transcriptional activator STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and inhibit its nuclear translocation in human breast- and ovarian-cancer cells. To identify proteins that interact with ARHI in nuclear translocation, in the present study, we performed proteomic analysis and identified several importins that can associate with ARHI. To further explore this novel finding, we purified 10 GST (glutathione transferase)-importin fusion proteins (importins 7, 8, 13, beta1, alpha1, alpha3, alpha5, alpha6, alpha7 and mutant alpha1). Using a GST-pulldown assay, we found that ARHI can bind strongly to most importins; however, its binding is markedly reduced with an importin alpha1 mutant that contains an altered NLS (nuclear-localization signal) domain. In addition, an ARHI N-terminal deletion mutant exhibits greatly reduced binding to all importins compared with wild-type ARHI. In nuclear-import assays, the addition of ARHI blocked nuclear localization of phosphorylated STAT3. ARHI also inhibits the interaction of Ran-importin complexes with GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion proteins that contain an NLS domain and a beta-like import receptor-binding domain, thereby blocking their nuclear localization. By conducting GST-pulldown assays, we found that ARHI could compete for Ran-importin binding. Thus ARHI-induced disruption of importin-binding to cargo proteins, including STAT3, could serve as an important regulatory mechanism that contributes to the tumour-suppressor function of ARHI.

Identification of novel genes that mediate innate immunity using inbred mice

Innate immunity is the first line of defense against microbial infections. Although polymorphisms in toll-like receptors (TLRs) and downstream signaling molecules (CD14, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and IRAK4) affect the innate immune response, these variants account for only a portion of the ability of the host to respond to bacteria, fungi, and viruses. To identify other genes involved in the innate immune response, we challenged 16 inbred murine strains with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) systemically and measured serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNFalpha, and the chemokine KC 6 hr post-treatment. Loci that segregate with strain phenotypes were identified by whole genome association (WGA) mapping of cytokine concentrations. Published gene expression profiles and quantitative trait loci (QTL) were then utilized to prioritize loci and genes that potentially regulate the host response to LPS. Sixteen loci were selected for further investigation by combining WGA analysis with previously published QTL for murine response to LPS or gram negative bacteria. Thirty-eight genes within these loci were then selected for further investigation on the basis of the significance of the identified locus, transcriptional response to LPS, and biological plausibility. RNA interference-mediated inhibition of 4 of 38 candidate genes was shown to block the production of IL-6 in J774A.1 macrophages. In summary, our analysis identified 4 genes that have not previously been implicated in innate immunity, namely, 1110058L19Rik, 4933415F23Rik, Fbxo9, and Ipo7. These genes could represent potential sepsis biomarkers or therapeutic targets that should be further investigated in human populations.