Review

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 8, 761-773 (October 2007) | doi:10.1038/nrm2255

Exporting RNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm

Alwin Köhler1,2 & Ed Hurt1  About the authors

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The transport of RNA molecules from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is fundamental for gene expression. The different RNA species that are produced in the nucleus are exported through the nuclear pore complexes via mobile export receptors. Small RNAs (such as tRNAs and microRNAs) follow relatively simple export routes by binding directly to export receptors. Large RNAs (such as ribosomal RNAs and mRNAs) assemble into complicated ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles and recruit their exporters via class-specific adaptor proteins. Export of mRNAs is unique as it is extensively coupled to transcription (in yeast) and splicing (in metazoa). Understanding the mechanisms that connect RNP formation with export is a major challenge in the field.

Author affiliations

  1. Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
  2. Universitätskinderklinik Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 151, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.

Correspondence to: Ed Hurt1 Email: ed.hurt@bzh.uni-heidelberg.de

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