Distinct functional domains within nucleoporins Nup153 and Nup98 mediate transcription-dependent mobility

Mol Biol Cell. 2004 Apr;15(4):1991-2002. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e03-10-0743. Epub 2004 Jan 12.

Abstract

Despite the apparent overall structural stability of the nuclear pore complex during interphase, at least two nucleoporins have been shown to move dynamically on and off the pore. It is not yet certain what contribution nucleoporin mobility makes to the process of nuclear transport or how such mobility is regulated. Previously, we showed that Nup98 dynamically interacts with the NPC as well as bodies within the nucleus in a transcription-dependent manner. We have extended our studies of dynamics to include Nup153, another mobile nucleoporin implicated in RNA export. In both cases, we found that although only one domain is essential for NPC localization, other regions of the protein significantly affect the stability of association with the pore. Interestingly, like Nup98, the exchange of Nup153 on and off the pore is inhibited when transcription by Pol I and Pol II is blocked. We have mapped the regions required to link Nup98 and Nup153 mobility to transcription and found that the requirements differ depending on which polymerases are inhibited. Our data support a model whereby transcription of RNA is coupled to nucleoporin mobility, perhaps ultimately linking transport of RNAs to a cycle of remodeling at the nuclear pore basket.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleolus / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cricetinae
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Dactinomycin / pharmacology
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / chemistry*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • RNA / chemistry
  • Time Factors
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins
  • NUP153 protein, human
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins
  • nuclear pore complex protein 98
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Dactinomycin
  • RNA
  • DNA