An actin-regulated importin α/β-dependent extended bipartite NLS directs nuclear import of MRTF-A.

ABSTRACT: Myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) are actin-regulated transcriptional coactivators, which bind G-actin through their N-terminal RPEL domains. In response to signal-induced actin polymerisation and concomitant G-actin depletion, MRTFs accumulate in the nucleus and activate target gene transcription through their partner protein SRF. Nuclear accumulation of MRTFs in response to signal is inhibited by increased G-actin level. Here, we study the mechanism by which MRTF-A enters the nucleus. We show that MRTF-A contains an unusually long bipartite nuclear localisation signal (NLS), comprising two basic elements separated by 30 residues, embedded within the RPEL domain. Using siRNA-mediated protein depletion in vivo, and nuclear import assays in vitro, we show that the MRTF-A exten

SUBMITTER: Pawlowski R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2964165 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature