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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Analysis of mRNA Nuclear Export Kinetics in Mammalian Cells by Microinjection
Published on: December 4, 2010
Nuclear export of messenger RNA
Jun Katahira1,2
1Biomolecular Networks Laboratories, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan. katahira@anat3.med.osaka-u.ac.jp.
Abstract:
Transport of messenger RNA (mRNA) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is an essential step of eukaryotic gene expression. In the cell nucleus, a precursor mRNA undergoes a series of processing steps, including capping at the 5' ends, splicing and cleavage/polyadenylation at the 3' ends. During this process, the mRNA associates with a wide variety of proteins, forming a messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) particle. Association with factors involved in nuclear export also occurs during transcription and processing, and thus nuclear export is fully integrated into mRNA maturation. The coupling between mRNA maturation and nuclear export is an important mechanism for providing only fully functional and competent mRNA to the cytoplasmic translational machinery, thereby ensuring accuracy and swiftness of gene expression. This review describes the molecular mechanism of nuclear mRNA export mediated by the principal transport factors, including Tap-p15 and the TREX complex.
Insights
Messenger RNA (mRNA) export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is crucial for gene expression. This review details the molecular mechanisms of mRNA nuclear export, focusing on key transport factors like Tap-p15 and the TREX complex.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) transport from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is a fundamental process in eukaryotic gene expression.
- mRNA undergoes extensive processing, including capping, splicing, and polyadenylation, while associating with proteins to form messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) particles.
- Nuclear export is integrated with mRNA maturation, ensuring only functional mRNA reaches the cytoplasm for translation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the molecular mechanisms governing the nuclear export of mRNA.
- To highlight the roles of principal transport factors in this process.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing research on mRNA nuclear export.
- Focuses on the function of specific protein complexes involved in transport.
Main Results:
- Nuclear mRNA export is tightly coupled with mRNA transcription and processing.
- Key transport factors, including Tap-p15 and the TREX complex, mediate the translocation of mRNPs.
- This coupling ensures the fidelity and efficiency of gene expression.
Conclusions:
- The molecular mechanisms of nuclear mRNA export are essential for regulating gene expression.
- Tap-p15 and the TREX complex are critical components of the mRNA export machinery.
- Understanding these pathways is vital for comprehending eukaryotic gene regulation.
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