Implication of a Novel Function of Sar1 in the Nucleus

The coat protein complex II (COPII) generates transport carriers that deliver newly synthesized proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi apparatus. The small GTPase Sar1 is a well-known regulator of the assembly of the COPII coat. In the present study, we demonstrate that, besides its well-established role in ER-to-Golgi trafficking, the nuclear localization of Sar1 is essential for the viability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Inhibition of either the nuclear entry or retention of Sar1 leads to a severe growth defect. Additionally, in vivo deletion of Sar1, by using conditional genetic depletion, further demonstrates that the loss of nuclear localization of Sar1 results in an abnormal nuclear envelope shape. Our findings highlighted a possible novel role of Sar1 within the nucleus, which may relate to the proper formation of the nuclear envelope.Key words: Sar1, COPII, small GTPase, nuclear envelope, membrane traffic.