KPNA3

The transport of molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells is mediated by the nuclear pore complex (NPC), which consists of 60-100 proteins. Small molecules (up to 70 kD) can pass through the nuclear pore by nonselective diffusion while larger molecules are transported by an active process. The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the importin alpha family, and is involved in nuclear protein import.

Full Name

Karyopherin Subunit Alpha 3

Function

Functions in nuclear protein import as an adapter protein for nuclear receptor KPNB1. Binds specifically and directly to substrates containing either a simple or bipartite NLS motif. Docking of the importin/substrate complex to the nuclear pore complex (NPC) is mediated by KPNB1 through binding to nucleoporin FxFG repeats and the complex is subsequently translocated through the pore by an energy requiring, Ran-dependent mechanism. At the nucleoplasmic side of the NPC, Ran binds to importin-beta and the three components separate and importin-alpha and -beta are re-exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where GTP hydrolysis releases Ran from importin. The directionality of nuclear import is thought to be conferred by an asymmetric distribution of the GTP- and GDP-bound forms of Ran between the cytoplasm and nucleus. In vitro, mediates the nuclear import of human cytomegalovirus UL84 by recognizing a non-classical NLS. Recognizes NLSs of influenza A virus nucleoprotein probably through ARM repeats 7-9.

Biological Process

NLS-bearing protein import into nucleusManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Protein-containing complex assemblyManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ProtInc
Viral entry into host cellIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Viral penetration into host nucleusIEA:UniProtKB-KW

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm
Nucleus