importin 8 (Ran-binding protein 8, RanBP8, IPO8)
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Function
- nuclear protein import as nuclear transport receptor
- receptor for nuclear localization signals (NLS) in cargo substrates
- thought to mediate docking of importin/substrate complex to the nuclear pore complex through binding to nucleoporin
- the complex is subsequently translocated through the pore by an energy requiring, Ran-dependent mechanism
- at the nucleoplasmic side of the nuclear pore complex, Ran binds to the importin, the importin/substrate complex dissociates & importin is re-exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where GTP hydrolysis releases Ran
- directionality of nuclear import is thought to be conferred by an asymmetric distribution of the GTP- & GDP-bound forms of Ran between the cytoplasm & nucleus
- in vitro mediates nuclear import of SRP19
- forms a heterodimer with KPNB1 (importin-beta-1-subunit)
- interacts with SRP19 binds directly to nuclear pore complexes
Structure
- belongs to the importin beta family
- contains 1 importin N-terminal domain