A genetic system for detection of protein nuclear import and export

We have developed a simple genetic assay to detect active nuclear localization (NLS) and export signals (NES) on the basis of their function within yeast cells. The bacterial LexA protein was modified (mLexA) to abolish its intrinsic NLS and fused to the activation domain of the yeast Gal4p (Gal4AD) with or without the SV40 large T-antigen NLS. In the import assay, if a tested protein fused to mLexA-Gal4AD contains a functional NLS, it will enter the cell nucleus and activate the reporter gene expression. In the export assay, if a tested protein fused to mLexA-SV40 NLS-Gal4AD contains a functional NES, it will exit into the cytoplasm, decreasing the reporter gene expression. We tested this system with known NLS and NES and then used it to demonstrate a NES activity of the capsid protein of a plant geminivirus. This approach may help to identify, analyze, and select for proteins containing functional NLS and NES.