Nucleolar Localization Sequence Research Articles

Targeting of Hmo1 to subcompartments of the budding yeast nucleolus.

The nucleolus is a multilayered, membraneless organelle made up of liquidlike biogenesis compartments surrounding an array of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA). Biogenesis factors accumulate in the outer compartments through RNA binding and phase separation promoted by intrinsically disordered protein regions. In contrast, the nucleolar localization of rDNA-binding proteins, which reside in the central chromatin compartment, is less well characterized. To gain mechanistic insight, we analyzed the localization, mitotic segregation, nucleic acid binding, and nuclear dynamics of the budding yeast rDNA-binding protein Hmo1. Deletion of the main DNA-binding domain, the HMG boxB, compromised Hmo1 transfer to daughter cells in mitosis and transcription-independent rDNA association but still allowed nucleolar localization. The C-terminal lysine-rich region turned out to be a combined nuclear and nucleolar localization sequence (NLS-NoLS). Its integrity was required for maximal enrichment and efficient retention of Hmo1 in the nucleolus and nucleolar localization of the ΔboxB construct. Moreover, the NLS-NoLS region was sufficient to promote nucleolar accumulation and bound nucleic acids in vitro with some preference for RNA. Bleaching experiments indicated mobility of Hmo1 inside the nucleolus but little exchange with the nucleoplasm. Thus, a bilayered targeting mechanism secures proper localization of Hmo1 to the nucleolus.

Sirtuin1 meditated modification of Notch1 intracellular domain regulates nucleolar localization and activation of distinct signaling cascades.

Notch signaling is involved in cell fate decisions in the development and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Spatial regulation of the Notch1 intracellular domain (NIC1), has been shown to underpin signaling outcomes mediated by this receptor. We recently reported a putative Nucleolar Localization Sequence (NoLS) in NIC1. Here we investigate if the putative NoLS identified in NIC1 regulates localization in the nucleolus and anti-apoptotic activity. Confocal imaging of live cells expressing NIC1 or forms modified by deletion or site-directed mutagenesis established that the putative NoLS in NIC1 is required for nucleolar localization and regulated by the deacetylase Sirtuin1. Subsequent analysis of anti-apoptotic activity revealed signaling cascades linked to nucleolar localization. For this, etoposide and 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide, an inhibitor of topoisomerase-II and a UV mimetic drug respectively, were used as prototypic triggers of genomic damage in a mammalian cell line. While NIC1 blocked apoptosis regardless of its localization to the nucleoplasm or nucleolus, modifications of NIC1 which promoted localization to the nucleolus triggered a dependence on the nucleolar proteins fibrillarin and nucleolin for anti-apoptotic activity. Further, cells co-expressing NIC1 and Sirtuin1 (but not its catalytically inactive form), confirmed both spatial regulation and the switch to dependence on the nucleolar proteins. Finally, site-directed mutagenesis showed that the NoLS lysine residues are targets of Sirtuin1 activity. NIC1 mediated transcription is not similarly regulated. Thus, NIC1 localization to the nucleolus is regulated by Sirtuin1 modification of the lysine residues in NoLS and triggers a distinct signaling cascade involving nucleolar intermediates for anti-apoptotic activity.

Nucleolar localization of c‐Jun

Nucleoli are well defined for their function in ribosome biogenesis, but only a small fraction of the nucleolar proteome has been characterized. Here, we report that the proto-oncogene, c-Jun, is targeted to the nucleolus. Using live cell imaging in myogenic cells, we document that the c-Jun basic domain contains a unique, evolutionarily conserved motif that determines nucleolar targeting. Fos family Jun dimer partners, such as Fra2, while nuclear, do not co-localize with c-Jun in the nucleolus. A point mutation in c-Jun that mimics Fra2 (M260E) in its Nucleolar Localization sequence (NoLS) results in loss of c-Jun nucleolar targeting while still preserving nuclear localization. Fra2 can sequester c-Jun in the nucleoplasm, indicating that the stoichiometric ratio of heterodimeric partners regulates c-Jun nucleolar targeting. Finally, nucleolar localization of c-Jun modulates nucleolar architecture and ribosomal RNA accumulation. These studies highlight a novel role for Jun family proteins in the nucleolus, having potential implications for a diverse array of AP-1-regulated cellular processes.

Nucleolar localization of the Notch4 intracellular domain underpins its regulation of the cellular response to genotoxic stressors

Cell survival is one of the many cellular processes regulated by Notch family of proteins. A comparison of human breast cancer cell lines, which differ in the levels of endogenous Notch4, implicated the protein in regulating susceptibility to apoptosis triggered by genomic damage. In agreement with this observation, increased susceptibility to genotoxic damage was observed following siRNA ablations of Notch4 in two breast cancer cell lines. Further, overexpressing Notch4 intracellular domain (NIC4) tagged to GFP (NIC4-GFP), protected cells from apoptosis triggered by genotoxic drugs. In cells immune-stained for endogenous Notch4, protein was detected in the nucleolus and nucleoplasm, which was also confirmed by the co-localization of NIC4-GFP with RFP-tagged nucleolar proteins in breast cancer cells or the unrelated HEK cell line. Linking functional outcomes to nucleolar localization, NIC4-GFP protection from apoptosis, required the nucleolar proteins Nucleolin and Fibrillarin. Consistently, immunoprecipitation analysis revealed associations between nucleolar proteins—Nucleolin and Nucleophosmin—and Notch4. Microscopy-based biophysical analysis of live cells showed that nucleolar and nucleoplasmic pools of NIC4-GFP are mobile, with some sequestration of nucleolar NIC4-GFP pools. A nucleolar excluded form, NIC4_3RA-GFP, generated by site-directed mutagenesis of the nucleolar localization sequence in NIC4, could not protect from apoptosis triggered by genotoxic stressors. However, transcriptional activity or protection from apoptosis triggered by endoplasmic stress was comparable in cells expressing NIC4_3RA-GFP or NIC4-GFP. Together, the data show that nucleolar localization of NIC4 is critical for the regulation of genomic damage and may be uncoupled from its activities in the nucleoplasm. This study identifies intrinsic features of NIC4 that regulate signaling outcomes activated by the receptor by controlling its spatial localization.

The Dundee Resource for Sequence Analysis and Structure Prediction.

The Dundee Resource for Sequence Analysis and Structure Prediction (DRSASP; http://www.compbio.dundee.ac.uk/drsasp.html) is a collection of web services provided by the Barton Group at the University of Dundee. DRSASP's flagship services are the JPred4 webserver for secondary structure and solvent accessibility prediction and the JABAWS 2.2 webserver for multiple sequence alignment, disorder prediction, amino acid conservation calculations, and specificity‐determining site prediction. DRSASP resources are available through conventional web interfaces and APIs but are also integrated into the Jalview sequence analysis workbench, which enables the composition of multitool interactive workflows. Other existing Barton Group tools are being brought under the banner of DRSASP, including NoD (Nucleolar localization sequence detector) and 14‐3‐3‐Pred. New resources are being developed that enable the analysis of population genetic data in evolutionary and 3D structural contexts. Existing resources are actively developed to exploit new technologies and maintain parity with evolving web standards. DRSASP provides substantial computational resources for public use, and since 2016 DRSASP services have completed over 1.5 million jobs.

Nol9 Is a Spatial Regulator for the Human ITS2 Pre-rRNA Endonuclease–Kinase Complex

The ribosome plays a universal role in translating the cellular proteome. Defects in the ribosome assembly factor Las1L are associated with congenital lethal motor neuron disease and X-linked intellectual disability disorders, yet its role in processing precursor ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) is largely unclear. The Las1L endoribonuclease associates with the Nol9 polynucleotide kinase to form the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) pre-rRNA endonuclease–kinase machinery. Together, Las1L–Nol9 catalyzes RNA cleavage and phosphorylation to mark the ITS2 for degradation. While ITS2 processing is critical for the production of functional ribosomes, the regulation of mammalian Las1L–Nol9 remains obscure. Here we characterize the human Las1L–Nol9 complex and identify critical molecular features that regulate its assembly and spatial organization. We establish that Las1L and Nol9 form a higher-order complex and identify the regions responsible for orchestrating this intricate architecture. Structural analysis by high-resolution imaging defines the intricate spatial pattern of Las1L–Nol9 within the nucleolar sub-structure linked with late pre-rRNA processing events. Furthermore, we uncover a Nol9-encoded nucleolar localization sequence that is responsible for nucleolar transport of the assembled Las1L–Nol9 complex. Together, these data provide a mechanism for the assembly and nucleolar localization of the human ITS2 pre-rRNA endonuclease–kinase complex.

Hepatocellular differentiation status is characterized by distinct subnuclear localization and form of the chanzyme TRPM7

The channel-kinase TRPM7 is important for the survival, proliferation, and differentiation, of many cell types. Both plasma membrane channel activity and kinase function are implicated in these roles. Channel activity is greater in less differentiated hepatoma cells compared with non-dividing, terminally differentiated adult hepatocytes, suggesting differences in protein expression and/or localization. We used electrophysiological and immunofluorescence approaches to establish whether hepatocellular differentiation is associated with altered TRPM7 expression. Mean outward current decreased by 44% in WIF-B hepatoma cells incubated with the established hepatic differentiating factors oncostatin M/dexamethasone for 1–8 days. Pre-incubation with pyridone 6, a pan-JAK inhibitor, blocked the current reduction. An antibody targeted to the C-terminus of TRPM7 labelled the cytoplasm in WIF-B cells and intact rat liver. Significant label also localized to the nuclear envelope (NE), with relatively more detected in adult hepatocytes compared with WIF-B cells. Hepatoma cells also exhibited nucleoplasmic labelling with intense signal in the nucleolus. The endogenous labelling pattern closely resembles that of HEK293T cells heterologously expressing a TRPM7 kinase construct containing a putative nucleolar localization sequence. These results suggest that TRPM7 form and distribution between the plasma membrane and nucleus, rather than expression, is altered in parallel with differentiation status in rat hepatic cells.

Mutation of the N-Terminal Region of Chikungunya Virus Capsid Protein: Implications for Vaccine Design.

ABSTRACTMosquito-transmitted chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic alphavirus of the Togaviridae family responsible for frequent outbreaks of arthritic disease in humans. Capsid protein, a structural protein encoded by the CHIKV RNA genome, is able to translocate to the host cell nucleolus. In encephalitic alphaviruses, nuclear translocation induces host cell transcriptional shutoff; however, the role of capsid protein nucleolar localization in arthritogenic alphaviruses remains unclear. Using recombinant enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged expression constructs and CHIKV infectious clones, we describe a nucleolar localization sequence (NoLS) in the N-terminal region of capsid protein, previously uncharacterized in CHIKV. Mutation of the NoLS by site-directed mutagenesis reduced efficiency of nuclear import of CHIKV capsid protein. In the virus, mutation of the capsid protein NoLS (CHIKV-NoLS) attenuated replication in mammalian and mosquito cells, producing a small-plaque phenotype. Attenuation of CHIKV-NoLS is likely due to disruption of the viral replication cycle downstream of viral RNA synthesis. In mice, CHIKV-NoLS infection caused no disease signs compared to wild-type CHIKV (CHIKV-WT)-infected mice; lack of disease signs correlated with significantly reduced viremia and decreased expression of proinflammatory factors. Mice immunized with CHIKV-NoLS, challenged with CHIKV-WT at 30 days postimmunization, develop no disease signs and no detectable viremia. Serum from CHIKV-NoLS-immunized mice is able to efficiently neutralize CHIKV infection in vitro. Additionally, CHIKV-NoLS-immunized mice challenged with the related alphavirus Ross River virus showed reduced early and peak viremia postchallenge, indicating a cross-protective effect. The high degree of CHIKV-NoLS attenuation may improve CHIKV antiviral and rational vaccine design.

Ribosomal RNA Gene Transcription Mediated by the Master Genome Regulator Protein CCCTC-binding Factor (CTCF) Is Negatively Regulated by the Condensin Complex

CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a ubiquitously expressed "master weaver" and plays multiple functions in the genome, including transcriptional activation/repression, chromatin insulation, imprinting, X chromosome inactivation, and high-order chromatin organization. It has been shown that CTCF facilitates the recruitment of the upstream binding factor onto ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and regulates the local epigenetic state of rDNA repeats. However, the mechanism by which CTCF modulates rRNA gene transcription has not been well understood. Here we found that wild-type CTCF augments the pre-rRNA level, cell size, and cell growth in cervical cancer cells. In contrast, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of CTCF reduced pre-rRNA transcription. CTCF positively regulates rRNA gene transcription in a RNA polymerase I-dependent manner. We identified an RRGR motif as a putative nucleolar localization sequence in the C-terminal region of CTCF that is required for activating rRNA gene transcription. Using mass spectrometry, we identified SMC2 and SMC4, two subunits of condensin complexes that interact with CTCF. Condensin negatively regulates CTCF-mediated rRNA gene transcription. Knockdown of SMC2 expression significantly facilitates the loading of CTCF and the upstream binding factor onto the rDNA locus and increases histone acetylation across the rDNA locus. Taken together, our study suggests that condensin competes with CTCF in binding to a specific rDNA locus and negatively regulates CTCF-mediated rRNA gene transcription.

Nonmyofilament‐associated troponin T3 nuclear and nucleolar localization sequence and leucine zipper domain mediate muscle cell apoptosis

Troponin T (TnT) plays a major role in striated muscle contraction. We recently demonstrated that the fast skeletal muscle TnT3 isoform is localized in the muscle nucleus, and either its full-length or COOH-terminus leads to muscle cell apoptosis. Here, we further explored the mechanism by which it enters the nucleus and promotes cytotoxicity. Amino acid truncation and substitution showed that its COOH-terminus contains a dominant nuclear/nucleolar localization sequence (KLKRQK) and the basic lysine and arginine residues might play an important role in the nuclear retention and nucleolar enrichment of KLKRQK-DsRed fusion proteins. Deleting this domain or substituting lysine and arginine residues (KLAAQK) resulted in a dramatic loss of TnT3 nuclear and nucleolar localization. In contrast, the GATAKGKVGGRWK domain-DsRed construct localized exclusively in the cytoplasm, indicating that a nuclear exporting sequence is possibly localized in this region. Additionally, we identified a classical DNA-binding leucine zipper domain (LZD) which is conserved among TnT isoforms and species. Deletion of LZD or KLKRQK sequence significantly reduced cell apoptosis compared to full-length TnT3. We conclude that TnT3 contains both a nuclear localization signal and a DNA-binding domain, which may mediate nuclear/nucleolar signaling and muscle cell apoptosis.

NoD: a Nucleolar localization sequence detector for eukaryotic and viral proteins

BackgroundNucleolar localization sequences (NoLSs) are short targeting sequences responsible for the localization of proteins to the nucleolus. Given the large number of proteins experimentally detected in the nucleolus and the central role of this subnuclear compartment in the cell, NoLSs are likely to be important regulatory elements controlling cellular traffic. Although many proteins have been reported to contain NoLSs, the systematic characterization of this group of targeting motifs has only recently been carried out.ResultsHere, we describe NoD, a web server and a command line program that predicts the presence of NoLSs in proteins. Using the web server, users can submit protein sequences through the NoD input form and are provided with a graphical output of the NoLS score as a function of protein position. While the web server is most convenient for making prediction for just a few proteins, the command line version of NoD can return predictions for complete proteomes. NoD is based on our recently described human-trained artificial neural network predictor. Through stringent independent testing of the predictor using available experimentally validated NoLS-containing eukaryotic and viral proteins, the NoD sensitivity and positive predictive value were estimated to be 71% and 79% respectively.ConclusionsNoD is the first tool to provide predictions of nucleolar localization sequences in diverse eukaryotes and viruses. NoD can be run interactively online at http://www.compbio.dundee.ac.uk/nod or downloaded to use locally.

Structure of the 30-kDa Sin3-associated Protein (SAP30) in Complex with the Mammalian Sin3A Corepressor and Its Role in Nucleic Acid Binding

The ∼2-megadalton evolutionarily conserved histone deacetylase-associated Rpd3L/Sin3L complex plays critical roles in altering the histone code and repressing transcription of a broad range of genes involved in many aspects of cellular physiology. Targeting of this complex to specific regions of the genome is presumed to rely on interactions involving one or more of at least 10 distinct subunits in the complex. Here we describe the solution structure of the complex formed by the interacting domains of two constitutively associated subunits, mSin3A and SAP30. The mSin3A paired amphipathic helix 3 (PAH3) domain in the complex adopts the left-handed four-helix bundle structure characteristic of PAH domains. The SAP30 Sin3 interaction domain (SID) binds to PAH3 via a tripartite structural motif, including a C-terminal helix that targets the canonical PAH hydrophobic cleft while two other helices and an N-terminal extension target a discrete surface formed largely by the PAH3 α2, α3, and α3' helices. The protein-protein interface is extensive (∼1400 Å(2)), accounting for the high affinity of the interaction and the constitutive association of the SAP30 subunit with the Rpd3L/Sin3L complex. We further show using NMR that the mSin3A PAH3-SAP30 SID complex can bind to nucleic acids, hinting at a role for a nucleolar localization sequence in the SID αA helix in targeting the Rpd3L/Sin3L complex for silencing ribosomal RNA genes.

The dynamics of the alternatively spliced NOL7 gene products and role in nucleolar architecture

Three alternatively spliced forms of the human NOL7 gene coding for relatively small proteins were identified. The two shorter forms were generated by intron retention events, and each isoform was differently localized within the cell. The NOL7-SP1 long form (29 kD) localized to the nucleolus, SP2 was nucleoplasmic, while SP3 was distributed throughout the whole cell. NOL7-SP1 was confined to the nucleolar granular component, and during cell division disassociated from the nucleolus. Knockdown of NOL7-SP1 levels abrogated nucleolar architecture, in particular the internal regions, and reduced cell proliferation. Analysis of the nucleolar dynamics of the SP1 protein during interphase showed nucleolar high binding affinity. Dissection of protein domains showed that nucleolar targeting was mediated by a unique C-terminal nucleolar localization sequence (NoLS). However, this sequence was not sufficient for conferring high binding affinity, which required additional regions of the protein. Our analysis shows that NOL7 is important for maintaining internal nucleolar structure and cell growth rates, and that while specific protein localization can be obtained by specific short localization motifs, nucleolar residency through binding must be mediated by a synergistic combination of protein modules.

PNRC accumulates in the nucleolus by interaction with B23/nucleophosmin via its nucleolar localization sequence

PNRC (proline-rich nuclear receptor coregulatory protein) was primarily identified as a coactivator of nuclear receptors (NRs) by our laboratory, which enhances NR-mediated transcription by RNA polymerase II. Recent study has shown that PNRC also stimulates RNA polymerase III-dependent transcription through interaction with the subunit RPC39 of RNA polymerase III. Here, we report that PNRC accumulates in the nucleolus and its depletion by small interfering RNA (siRNA) impairs pre-rRNA transcription by RNA polymerase I. We identified the sequence at position 94–101 ( 94PKKRRKKK 101) of PNRC as its nucleolar localization sequence (NoLS). Fusion of this sequence to GFP directed GFP to the nucleolus. Characterization of the NoLS revealed that the stretches of six successive basic residues are sufficient to function as a NoLS. Through co-immunoprecipitation assay, we demonstrated that the NoLS is necessary and sufficient to mediate the association of PNRC with B23/nucleophosmin. Moreover, B23 depletion by siRNA disrupted the accumulation of PNRC in the nucleolus. Together, our study indicates that PNRC is a novel nucleolar protein that might be involved in regulation of pre-rRNA synthesis, and it localizes to the nucleolus by interaction with B23 via its NoLS. Our study also suggests that the stretches of six successive basic residues (lysine and/or arginine) could function as NoLS.

The ARF Tumor Suppressor Controls Ribosome Biogenesis by Regulating the RNA Polymerase I Transcription Factor TTF-I

The p14/p19(ARF) (ARF) product of the CDKN2A gene displays tumor suppressor activity both in the presence and absence of p53/TP53. In p53-negative cells, ARF arrests cell proliferation, at least in part, by suppressing ribosomal RNA synthesis. We show that ARF does this by controlling the subnuclear localization of the RNA polymerase I transcription termination factor, TTF-I. TTF-I shuttles between nucleoplasm and nucleolus with the aid of the chaperone NPM/B23 and a nucleolar localization sequence within its N-terminal regulatory domain. ARF inhibits nucleolar import of TTF-I by binding to this nucleolar localization sequence, causing the accumulation of TTF-I in the nucleoplasm. Depletion of TTF-I recapitulates the effects of ARF on ribosomal RNA synthesis and is rescued by the introduction of a TTF-I transgene. Thus, our data delineate the pathway by which ARF regulates ribosomal RNA synthesis and provide a compelling explanation for the role of NPM.

NOM1 Targets Protein Phosphatase I to the Nucleolus

Protein phosphatase I (PP1) is an essential eukaryotic serine/threonine phosphatase required for many cellular processes, including cell division, signaling, and metabolism. In mammalian cells there are three major isoforms of the PP1 catalytic subunit (PP1alpha, PP1beta, and PP1gamma) that are over 90% identical. Despite this high degree of identity, the PP1 catalytic subunits show distinct localization patterns in interphase cells; PP1alpha is primarily nuclear and largely excluded from nucleoli, whereas PP1gamma and to a lesser extent PP1beta concentrate in the nucleoli. The subcellular localization and the substrate specificity of PP1 catalytic subunits are determined by their interaction with targeting subunits, most of which bind PP1 through a so-called "RVXF" sequence. Although PP1 targeting subunits have been identified that direct PP1 to a number of subcellular locations and/or substrates, no targeting subunit has been identified that localizes PP1 to the nucleolus. Identification of nucleolar PP1 targeting subunit(s) is important because all three PP1 isoforms are included in the nucleolar proteome, enzymatically active PP1 is present in nucleoli, and PP1gamma is highly concentrated in nucleoli of interphase cells. In this study, we identify NOM1 (nucleolar protein with MIF4G domain 1) as a PP1-interacting protein and further identify the NOM1 RVXF motif required for its binding to PP1. We also define the NOM1 nucleolar localization sequence. Finally, we demonstrate that NOM1 can target PP1 to the nucleolus and show that a specific NOM1 RVXF motif and the NOM1 nucleolar localization sequence are required for this targeting activity. We therefore conclude that NOM1 is a PP1 nucleolar targeting subunit, the first identified in eukaryotic cells.

Nucleolar Targeting of Hepatitis Delta Antigen Abolishes Its Ability To Initiate Viral Antigenomic RNA Replication

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a small RNA virus that contains one 1.7-kb single-stranded circular RNA of negative polarity. The HDV particle also contains two isoforms of hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), small (SHDAg) and large HDAg. SHDAg is required for the replication of HDV, which is presumably carried out by host RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. The localization and the HDAg and host RNA polymerase responsible for HDV replication remain important issues to be addressed. In this study, using recombinant SHDAg fused with a heterologous nucleolar localization sequence (NoLS) to confine its subcellular localization in nucleoli, we aimed to study the effect of SHDAg subcellular localization on HDV RNA replication. The initiation of genomic RNA synthesis from antigenomic template was hardly detectable when SHDAg was fused with the NoLS motif and localized mainly in nucleoli. In contrast, the initiation of antigenomic RNA synthesis was not affected. Drug treatment to release a SHDAg-NoLS mutant from nucleoli could partially restore the replication of HDV genomic RNA from antigenomic RNA. This also recovered the cointeraction between SHDAg and RNA polymerase II. These data strongly suggest that nuclear polymerase (RNA polymerase II) is involved in the synthesis of genomic RNA and that the synthesis of antigenomic RNA can occur in nucleoli. Our results support the idea that the replication of HDV genomic RNA or antigenomic RNA is likely to be carried out by different machineries in different subcellular localizations.

A B23-interacting sequence as a tool to visualize protein interactions in a cellular context

We report the characterization of a nucleolar localization sequence (NoLS) that targets the green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the granular component (GC) of nucleoli. This NoLS interacts in vitro specifically and directly with the major nucleolar protein B23 and more precisely with the region of B23 including the two acidic stretches. The affinity of NoLS for B23 is stronger than that of the HIV-1 Rev protein in vitro. Moreover, B23-NoLS interaction also occurs in vivo. Indeed, (1) NoLS confers on the GFP the behavior of B23 throughout the cell cycle, (2) the GFP-NoLS fusion and B23 remain colocalized after drug treatments, (3) a selective delocalization of B23 from nucleoli to nucleoplasm induces a concomitent delocalization of the GFP-NoLS fusion, and (4) the fusion of NoLS to fibrillarin makes it possible to colocalize fibrillarin and B23. Interestingly, by fusing NoLS to fibrillarin, both fibrillarin and the fibrillarin partner Nop56 are mislocalized in the GC of nucleoli. Similarly, by fusing the NoLS to MafG, part of the nuclear transcription factor NF-E2 composed of both MafG and p45 NF-E2, NF-E2 is redirected from the nucleoplasm to the nucleoli. Thus, we propose that the NoLS may be used as a tool to visualize and prove protein interactions in a cellular context.

Identification of a novel nucleolar localization signal and a degradation signal in Survivin-deltaEx3: a potential link between nucleolus and protein degradation

For a long time, as the most prominent subnuclear structure, nucleolus has been recognized as a main site where rRNA processing and ribosomal subunit assemblies take place. It has not been until recently that additional functions of nucleolus have begun to be proposed. In this study, we for the first time demonstrate that Survivin-deltaEx3, a novel functionally splice variant of Survivin localizes in the nucleoli where it degrades rapidly through ubiquitin-proteosome pathway. Several lines of evidences provided in this report support this finding (i) a novel nucleolar localization sequence (NoLS, MQRKPTIRRKNLRLRRK) and a novel degradation signal (aa92-aa137) within Survivin-deltaEx3 were identified (ii) proteasome inhibitors MG132 or ALLN greatly inhibits degradation of Survivin-deltaEx3 and polyubiquitination of Survivin-deltaEx3 was detected (iii) heterologous proteins such as TAT-PTD or p14ARF, when fused to this putative degradation signal, result in a significant degradation within the nucleolus. In addition, the nucleolar localization and degradation of Survivin-deltaEx3 appear to be required for its antiapoptotic function, since neither NoLS-deleted nor degradation signal-deleted Survivin-deltaEx3 retains protective effect against Doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Thus, our results have provided evidences to suggest that besides cytosol, nucleus, endoplsmic reticulum (ER) or lysosomes, nucleolus may also operate important protein degradation pathway, which has been overlooked previously.

NVL2 is a nucleolar AAA-ATPase that interacts with ribosomal protein L5 through its nucleolar localization sequence.

NVL (nuclear VCP-like protein), a member of the AAA-ATPase family, is known to exist in two forms with N-terminal extensions of different lengths in mammalian cells. Here, we show that they are localized differently in the nucleus; NVL2, the major species, is mainly present in the nucleolus, whereas NVL1 is nucleoplasmic. Mutational analysis demonstrated the presence of two nuclear localization signals in NVL2, one of which is shared with NVL1. In addition, a nucleolar localization signal was found to exist in the N-terminal extra region of NVL2. The nucleolar localization signal is critical for interaction with ribosomal protein L5, which was identified as a specific interaction partner of NVL2 on yeast two-hybrid screening. The interaction of NVL2 with L5 is ATP-dependent and likely contributes to the nucleolar translocation of NVL2. The physiological implication of this interaction was suggested by the finding that a dominant negative NVL2 mutant inhibits ribosome biosynthesis, which is known to take place in the nucleolus.