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Importin beta-mediated nuclear import of fibroblast growth factor receptor: role in cell proliferation

J F Reilly1, P A Maher

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. jreilly@neurome.com

The Journal of Cell Biology
|March 21, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1 moves to the nucleus through a unique pathway, influencing cell proliferation. This discovery reveals a new cell surface to nucleus signaling route for transmembrane receptors.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Molecular signaling
  • Cancer research

Background:

  • Growth factor receptors typically signal at the cell surface.
  • Transmembrane proteins, including growth factor receptors, can translocate to the nucleus post-stimulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the nuclear import mechanism of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1.
  • To determine the functional role of nuclear FGFR1 in cellular processes.

Main Methods:

  • Studied the nuclear translocation of FGFR1 in response to ligand stimulation.
  • Investigated the involvement of importin beta in FGFR1 nuclear import.
  • Assessed the effect of nuclear FGFR1 on c-Jun expression and cell proliferation.

Main Results:

  • FGFR1 nuclear import is distinct from classical pathways but dependent on importin beta.
  • Nuclear FGFR1 was found to induce c-Jun expression.
  • FGFR1's nuclear presence is implicated in regulating cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • This study describes the first nuclear import pathway for transmembrane growth factor receptors.
  • A novel cell surface-to-nucleus signal transduction pathway involving FGFR1 has been elucidated.

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