hNMP 200: a novel human common nuclear matrix protein combining structural and regulatory functions

Previously we have reported about human nuclear matrix proteins (hNMPs) with increased reassembling and potential filament-forming capability [C. Gerner et al., 1999, J. Cell. Biochem. 74, 145-151]. Here, we cloned the cDNA of one of these proteins, hNMP 200, following partial amino acid sequencing of the novel 56-kDa nuclear protein. Sequence alignments show hNMP 200-related proteins in metazoans, plants, and yeast, the homologous Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein prp19 being an accessory, but essential, factor for pre-mRNA processing. Evidence for any enzymatic activity was not detected. However, the hNMP 200 primary sequence contained five consensus WD-repeat sequences, indicative of participation and regulatory function in larger protein assemblies. Northern blot analysis and 2D protein electrophoresis showed ubiquitous expression of hNMP 200 in a variety of cell types. (35)S labeling studies indicated a high metabolic stability of the protein. The hNMP 200 gene was assigned to chromosomal region 11q12.2. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the intracellular localization conformed with that reported for other structural nuclear proteins. In interphase cells, green fluorescent protein-tagged hNMP 200 was predominantly nucleoplasmic. Structures with speckled appearance extended through several sections of in situ-isolated nuclear matrices. During cell division hNMP 200 became irregularly distributed in prophase, sparing regions of condensing chromatin. In anaphase it was concentrated in the spindle midzone. The putative dual function of the novel NMP is discussed. Being a component of the nuclear framework, it may provide structural support for components of the RNA-processing machinery, thereby also modulating splicing activities.