Nuclear export of mRNA

Export of mRNA through nuclear pore complexes (NPC) is preceded by multiple and well coordinated processing steps, resulting in the formation of an ex port competent ribonucleoprotein complex (mRNP), Numerous factors involved in the translocation of the mRNP through the NPC and its release into the c ytoplasm have been isolated mainly through genetic approaches in yeast, and putative functional homologues have been identified in metazoan systems. U nderstanding the mechanism of mRNA export relies, in part, on the functiona l characterization of these factors and the establishment of a complete net work of molecular interactions. Here we summarize recent progress in the ch aracterization of yeast and mammalian components implicated in the export o f an mRNA from the nucleus Co the cytoplasm, (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B,V, on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies .