Nuclear RNA export

Abstract

Eukaryotic cells export several different classes of RNA molecule from the nucleus, where they are transcribed, to the cytoplasm, where the majority participate in different aspects of protein synthesis. It is now clear that these different classes of RNA, including rRNAs, tRNAs, mRNAs and snRNAs, are specifically directed into distinct but in some cases partially overlapping nuclear export pathways. All non-coding RNAs are now known to depend on members of the karyopherin family of Ran-dependent nucleocytoplasmic transport factors for their nuclear export. In contrast, mRNA export is generally mediated by a distinct, Ran-independent nuclear export pathway that is both complex and, as yet, incompletely understood. However, for all classes of RNA molecules, nuclear export is dependent on the assembly of the RNA into the appropriate ribonucleoprotein complex, and nuclear export therefore also appears to function as an important proofreading mechanism.