KPNB1, XPO7 and IPO8 mediate the translocation ofNF-κB/p65 into the nucleus

Traffic. 2013 Nov;14(11):1132-43. doi: 10.1111/tra.12097. Epub 2013 Aug 19.

Abstract

NF-κB/p65 is retained in the cytoplasm until it is activated in response to stress. Nuclear import of p65 is regulated by importin α in a nuclear localization signal (NLS)-dependent manner. However, the role of importin β family members in the nuclear translocation of p65 is largely unclear. In this study, using high-content siRNA screening, we identified three of 17 importin β family members that are involved in the nuclear import of p65. Our data showed that knockdown of KPNB1, XPO7 and IPO8 reduced the amount of nuclear p65 following tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation, resulting in lower NF-κB activity. KPNB1 was the major importin β receptor for p65 import, and this import was dependent on the NLS of p65. However, NLS-mutated p65 still entered the nucleus and bound to XPO7 and IPO8. Interestingly, among the six members of the importin α family, KPNA2 was most important for p65 import. Taken together, our results show that the import of p65 mainly relies on the canonical KPNA2/KPNB1 pathway; however, p65 is also imported by an alternative pathway that is independent of its NLS. Redundant importin receptors are likely to maintain the important function of p65 according to need.

Keywords: IPO8; KPNA2; KPNB1; NLS; XPO7; importin α; importin β; p65.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Karyopherins / genetics
  • Karyopherins / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Localization Signals
  • Protein Binding
  • Transcription Factor RelA / chemistry
  • Transcription Factor RelA / genetics
  • Transcription Factor RelA / metabolism*
  • alpha Karyopherins / genetics
  • alpha Karyopherins / metabolism
  • beta Karyopherins / genetics
  • beta Karyopherins / metabolism*
  • ran GTP-Binding Protein

Substances

  • IPO8 protein, human
  • KPNA2 protein, human
  • KPNB1 protein, human
  • Karyopherins
  • Nuclear Localization Signals
  • Transcription Factor RelA
  • alpha Karyopherins
  • beta Karyopherins
  • XPO7 protein, human
  • ran GTP-Binding Protein