Nuclear pore complex protein mediated nuclear localization of dicer protein in human cells

PLoS One. 2011;6(8):e23385. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023385. Epub 2011 Aug 15.

Abstract

Human DICER1 protein cleaves double-stranded RNA into small sizes, a crucial step in production of single-stranded RNAs which are mediating factors of cytoplasmic RNA interference. Here, we clearly demonstrate that human DICER1 protein localizes not only to the cytoplasm but also to the nucleoplasm. We also find that human DICER1 protein associates with the NUP153 protein, one component of the nuclear pore complex. This association is detected predominantly in the cytoplasm but is also clearly distinguishable at the nuclear periphery. Additional characterization of the NUP153-DICER1 association suggests NUP153 plays a crucial role in the nuclear localization of the DICER1 protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / genetics
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA Interference
  • Ribonuclease III / genetics
  • Ribonuclease III / metabolism*

Substances

  • NUP153 protein, human
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins
  • DICER1 protein, human
  • Ribonuclease III
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases