Figure 2

A schematic representation of nuclear import and export cycles through the NPC. Typically, an import cargo is first recognized by its importin in the cytoplasm. The cargo-loaded importin translocates through the NPC into the nucleus, where the cargo is dissociated from the importin by binding of importin to RanGTP. The importin-RanGTP complex recycles back to the cytoplasm, where RanGTP hydrolysis is stimulated by RanGAP and RanBP1; this frees the importin for the next round of import. Binding of cargoes to exportins is regulated in a converse manner. Exportins bind their export substrates in the nucleus, forming a trimeric cargo-exportin-RanGTP complex. This complex is exported from the nucleus and dissociated in the cytoplasm by hydrolysis of RanGTP to RanGDP and inorganic phosphate (Pi). This releases the export substrate, and the exportin is recycled back into the nucleus. For details, see text.