A novel bipartite nuclear localization signal guides BPM1 protein to nucleolus suggesting its Cullin3 independent function

PLoS One. 2012;7(12):e51184. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051184. Epub 2012 Dec 10.

Abstract

BPM1 belongs to the MATH-BTB family of proteins, which act as substrate-binding adaptors for the Cullin3-based E3 ubiquitin ligase. MATH-BTB proteins associate with Cullin3 via the BTB domain and with the substrate protein via the MATH domain. Few BPM1-interacting proteins with different functions are recognized, however, specific roles of BPM1, depending on its cellular localization have not been studied so far. Here, we found a novel bipartite nuclear localization signal at the C-terminus of the BPM1 protein, responsible for its nuclear and nucleolar localization and sufficient to drive the green fluorescent protein and cytoplasmic BPM4 protein into the nucleus. Co-localization analysis in live Nicotiana tabacum BY2 cells indicates a Cullin3 independent function since BPM1 localization is predominantly nucleolar and thus devoid of Cullin3. Treatment of BY2 cells with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 blocks BPM1 and Cullin3 degradation, suggesting turnover of both proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Possible roles of BPM1 in relation to its in vivo localization are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA Primers
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nicotiana / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Localization Signals*
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plant Proteins / physiology
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Subcellular Fractions / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Nuclear Localization Signals
  • Plant Proteins

Grants and funding

This work was supported by Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia, Projects 119-1191196-1225, leader Sibila Jelaska (NB, DLL, JM) and 119-1191196-1224, leader Vlatka Zoldos (TH), and Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation (DLL). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.