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Cytokine and growth factor receptors in the nucleus: what's up with that?

John J Krolewski1

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA. jkrolews@uci.edu

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|April 20, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cell surface receptors, typically signaling at the cell membrane, are also found in the nucleus. This essay explores evidence for their direct role in gene transcription, potentially complementing known signaling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Molecular signaling
  • Gene regulation

Background:

  • Cell surface receptors with a single transmembrane domain mediate canonical signaling pathways.
  • Receptor tyrosine kinases and cytokine receptors activate intracellular kinases upon ligand binding.
  • Intact and cleaved receptors are detected in the nucleus, suggesting non-canonical functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the evidence for direct nuclear translocation of cell surface receptors.
  • To assess the physiological relevance of nuclear receptor signaling in gene transcription.
  • To explore if nuclear signaling complements or replaces canonical cell surface cascades.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on receptor localization and function.
  • Analysis of experimental evidence for receptor translocation.
  • Examination of studies investigating nuclear receptor activity.

Main Results:

  • Receptors and their fragments are consistently found within the nucleus.
  • Emerging evidence suggests these nuclear forms can directly modulate gene transcription.
  • The precise mechanisms and extent of this nuclear signaling are still under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Cell surface receptors may possess dual roles, signaling both at the membrane and within the nucleus.
  • Direct translocation to the nucleus represents a potential, physiologically relevant signaling pathway.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and significance of nuclear receptor signaling.

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