Antibody caging of a nuclear-targeting signal

We have developed a technique for reversibly masking a peptide-targeting signal. A fluoresceinated derivative of the simian virus 40 large tumor antigen nuclear-targeting signal was synthesized and cross-linked to bovine serum albumin. The conjugated protein was efficiently transported into rat liver nuclei unless the peptide-targeting signal was sterically hindered by binding of an anti-fluorescein antibody. Addition of free 5-aminofluorescein competed for antibody binding and rapidly restored nuclear accumulation of the derivatized bovine serum albumin. General use of hapten derivatization and anti-hapten antibodies for caging portions of macromolecular surfaces can be extended to a variety of proteins, including antibodies themselves.