The ins and outs of RNA nucleocytoplasmic transport

Nucleocytoplasmic transport of RNA is an obligatory step in gene expression and may also be a target for regulation. The cellular machinery has the capacity to export a myriad of RNA transcripts that differ significantly in sequence and structure. The molecular mechanisms of RNA transport are (as yet) largely unknown. Thus, biochemical and genetic approaches are being used to identify cellular factors that mediate this process. Major advances over the past year include the cloning of genes for nuclear pore complex components and isolation of yeast mutants that harbor specific defects in RNA export.