Functions of double-stranded RNA-binding domains in nucleocytoplasmic transport

The double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD) is a small protein domain found in eukaryotic, prokaryotic and viral proteins, whose central property is to bind to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Aside from this major function, recent examples of dsRBDs involved in the regulation of the sub-cellular localization of proteins, suggest that the participation of dsRBDs in nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is likely to represent a widespread auxiliary function of this type of RNA-binding domain. Overall, dsRBDs from proteins involved in many different biological processes have been reported to be implicated in nuclear import and export, as well as cytoplasmic, nuclear and nucleolar retention. Interestingly, the function of dsRBDs in nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is often regulated by their dsRNA-binding capacity, which can either enhance or impair the transport from one compartment to another. Here, we present and discuss the emerging function of dsRBDs in nucleocytoplasmic transport.