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Microbiol. Mol. Biol. Rev., 06 1997, 193-211, Vol 61, No. 2
AH Corbett and PA Silver
Nucleocytoplasmic transport is a complex process that consists of the
movement of numerous macromolecules back and forth across the nuclear
envelope. All macromolecules that move in and out of the nucleus do so via
nuclear pore complexes that form large proteinaceous channels in the
nuclear envelope. In addition to nuclear pores, nuclear transport of
macromolecules requires a number of soluble factors that are found both in
the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. A combination of biochemical, genetic,
and cell biological approaches have been used to identify and characterize
the various components of the nuclear transport machinery. Recent studies
have shown that both import to and export from the nucleus are mediated by
signals found within the transport substrates. Several studies have
demonstrated that these signals are recognized by soluble factors that
target these substrates to the nuclear pore. Once substrates have been
directed to the pore, most transport events depend on a cycle of GTP
hydrolysis mediated by the small Ras-like GTPase, Ran, as well as other
proteins that regulate the guanine nucleotide- bound state of Ran. Many of
the essential factors have been identified, and the challenge that remains
is to determine the exact mechanism by which transport occurs. This review
attempts to present an integrated view of our current understanding of
nuclear transport while highlighting the contributions that have been made
through studies with genetic organisms such as the budding yeast,
Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Copyright © 1997, American Society for Microbiology
Nucleocytoplasmic transport of macromolecules
Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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