Regulation of nuclear import and export

Abstract

Publisher Summary An exchange of molecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm is indispensable for gene regulation and normal cell growth and development. Transcription of RNA from DNA occurs in the nucleus, while translation of RNA into protein occurs on cytoplasmic ribosomes. Many proteins rapidly shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm, and their steady-state distribution is dictated by the relative rates of nuclear import and export. The permeability barrier of the nuclear envelope breaks down during mitosis and the nuclear proteins must reenter the nucleus after that barrier is restored. The targeting of proteins to the nucleus is different from many other intracellular sorting mechanisms, which require precursor sequences removed during or following transport. Thus, understanding the mechanisms and regulation of protein trafficking across the nuclear envelope is central to an understanding of cell structure and function.