Recombinant Human Importin subunit alpha-1 (KPNA2)

Function

Functions in nuclear protein import as an adapter protein for nuclear receptor KPNB1 (PubMed:28991411, PubMed:32130408, PubMed:7604027, PubMed:7754385). Binds specifically and directly to substrates containing either a simple or bipartite NLS motif (PubMed:28991411, PubMed:32130408, PubMed:7604027, PubMed:7754385). 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 (PubMed:7604027, PubMed:7754385). 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. Mediator of PR-DUB complex component BAP1 nuclear import; acts redundantly with KPNA1 and Transportin-1/TNPO1 (PubMed:35446349)

Subcellular Location

Endoplasmic reticulum membrane; Golgi apparatus membrane

Tissue Specificity

Expressed ubiquitously

Subunit

(Microbial infection) Interacts with Epstein-Barr virus EBNA1; this interaction allows the nuclear import of EBNA1

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