Luzp4 defines a new mRNA export pathway in cancer cells

Nucleic Acids Res. 2015 Feb 27;43(4):2353-66. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkv070. Epub 2015 Feb 6.

Abstract

Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) represented a poorly characterized group of proteins whose expression is normally restricted to testis but are frequently up-regulated in cancer cells. Here we show that one CTA, Luzp4, is an mRNA export adaptor. It associates with the TREX mRNA export complex subunit Uap56 and harbours a Uap56 binding motif, conserved in other mRNA export adaptors. Luzp4 binds the principal mRNA export receptor Nxf1, enhances its RNA binding activity and complements Alyref knockdown in vivo. Whilst Luzp4 is up-regulated in a range of tumours, it appears preferentially expressed in melanoma cells where it is required for growth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / genetics
  • Melanoma / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • RNA Transport
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • ALYREF protein, human
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • LUZP4 protein, human
  • NXF1 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Transcription Factors