The LSD1-Type Zinc Finger Motifs of Pisum sativa LSD1 Are a Novel Nuclear Localization Signal and Interact with Importin Alpha
2011

Understanding the Nuclear Localization of Pisum sativa LSD1

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): He Shanping, Zhang Kuowei, Yu Xiangchun, An Ping, Chengcai

Primary Institution: The State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China

Hypothesis

The LSD1-type zinc finger motifs of Pisum sativa LSD1 function as a nuclear localization signal and interact with importin α.

Conclusion

The LSD1-type zinc finger motifs of PsLSD1 are a novel nuclear localization signal that directly binds to importin α, suggesting that LSD1 may function as a transcription regulator involved in negatively regulating programmed cell death.

Supporting Evidence

  • PsLSD1 is localized in the nucleus, indicating its potential role as a transcription regulator.
  • The three LSD1-type zinc finger motifs are necessary and sufficient for nuclear localization of PsLSD1.
  • PsLSD1 directly binds to importin α, which is crucial for its nuclear import.
  • Mutations in the zinc finger motifs disrupt the nuclear localization of PsLSD1.

Takeaway

This study found that a specific part of a plant protein helps it get into the nucleus, which is important for its job in controlling cell death.

Methodology

The study involved subcellular localization analysis using GFP-tagged constructs and various assays to test protein interactions.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022131

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