IPO13

Function

Functions in nuclear protein import as nuclear transport receptor. Serves as receptor for nuclear localization signals (NLS) in cargo substrates. Is thought to mediate docking of the importin/substrate complex to the nuclear pore complex (NPC) through binding to nucleoporin and the complex is subsequently translocated through the pore by an energy requiring, Ran-dependent mechanism. At the nucleoplasmic side of the NPC, Ran binds to the importin, the importin/substrate complex dissociates and importin is re-exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where GTP hydrolysis releases Ran. The directionality of nuclear import is thought to be conferred by an asymmetric distribution of the GTP- and GDP-bound forms of Ran between the cytoplasm and nucleus (By similarity). Mediates the nuclear import of UBC9, the RBM8A/MAGOH complex, PAX6 and probably other members of the paired homeobox family. Also mediates nuclear export of eIF-1A, and the cytoplasmic release of eIF-1A is triggered by the loading of import substrates onto IPO13.

Sequence Similarities

Belongs to the importin beta family.

Tissue Specificity

Expressed in fetal brain, heart, intestine and kidney.

Cellular localization

• Cytoplasm
• Nucleus

Alternative names

KIAA0724, RANBP13, IPO13, Importin-13, Imp13, Karyopherin-13, Ran-binding protein 13, Kap13, RanBP13

Database links

swissprot:O94829 entrezGene:9670 genbank:NM_014652 omim:610411