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The IFNAR1 subunit of the type I IFN receptor complex contains a functional nuclear localization sequence
Author(s) -
Subramaniam Prem S.,
Johnson Howard M.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.10.085
Subject(s) - nls , nuclear localization sequence , protein subunit , biology , nuclear transport , microbiology and biotechnology , cytosol , nucleus , cell nucleus , receptor , biochemistry , gene , enzyme
A nuclear localization sequence (NLS) in the type II interferon (IFN) IFNγ, which is responsible for the nuclear translocation of both the ligand and the α‐subunit (IFNGR1) of the receptor complex, has previously been characterized and its role in signaling examined in detail. We have now identified an NLS in the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) common subunit IFNAR1 from humans and show that the human IFNAR1 subunit can translocate to the nucleus following human IFNβ stimulation. An NLS in human IFNAR1 is located in the extracellular domain of IFNAR1 within the sequence 382 RKIIEKKT (numbered for the precursor form). Nuclear import by the NLS functions in a conventional fashion requiring cytosolic import factors, is energy‐dependent and inhibited by the prototypical NLS of the SV40 large T‐antigen. These studies provide a mechanism for nuclear import of IFNAR1, as well as for type I IFN ligands, and a starting point for studying an alternate role for IFNAR1 in nuclear signaling within the type I IFN system.