Importin
Overview
Importin is a type of protein that moves other protein molecules into the nucleus by binding to a specific recognition sequence, called the nuclear localization signal (NLS). Importin is classified as a karyopherin.[1][2]
Importin has two subunits, importin α and importin β. Of these, importin α binds to the NLS of the protein to be imported to the nucleus whereas importin β helps in the docking of the importin heterodimer-bound protein to the nuclear pore complex. The NLS-Importin α-Importin β trimer dissociates after binding to Ran GTP inside the nucleus.[3]
Genes
- Importin: IPO4, IPO7, IPO8, IPO9, IPO11, IPO13
- Karyopherin-α: KPNA1, KPNA2, KPNA3, KPNA4, KPNA5, KPNA6
- Karyopherin-β: KPNB1
References
- ↑ http://big.mcw.edu/display.php/1053.html
- ↑ Görlich D, Prehn S, Laskey RA, Hartmann E (1994). "Isolation of a protein that is essential for the first step of nuclear protein import". Cell. 79 (5): 767–78. doi:10.1016/0092-8674(94)90067-1. PMID 8001116.
- ↑ Mattaj IW, Englmeier L (1998). "Nucleocytoplasmic transport: the soluble phase". Annu. Rev. Biochem. 67: 265–306. doi:10.1146/annurev.biochem.67.1.265. PMID 9759490.
External links
- Importins at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)