The importin-β P446L dominant-negative mutant protein loses RanGTP binding ability and blocks the formation of intact nuclear envelope

Three of the four independently induced Ketel(D) dominantnegative female sterile mutations that identify the Drosophila importin-beta gene, originated from a C4114--> T transition and the concurrent replacement of Pro446 by Leu (P446L). CD spectroscopy of representative peptides with Pro or Leu in the crucial position revealed that upon the Pro-->Leu exchange the P446L mutant protein loses flexibility and attains most likely an open conformation. The P446L mutation abolishes RanGTP binding of the P446L mutant form of importin-beta protein and results in increased RanGDP binding ability. Notably, the P446L mutant importin-beta does not exert its dominant-negative effect on nuclear protein import and has no effect on mitotic spindle-related functions and chromosome segregation. However, it interferes with nuclear envelope formation during mitosis-to-interphase transition, revealing a novel function of importin-beta.