Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a new function of the protein Exportin-1, which is prevalent in patients with leukemia and other cancers. Previously known for exporting materials out of a cell's nucleus, Exportin-1 may also stimulate transcription, potentially contributing to abnormal cell division when hijacked.
Professor Jason Brickner from Northwestern led the study. He stated, "Because Exportin-1 is often overexpressed in cancers and leukemia, this work also raises the possibility that this newly discovered function is important in promoting cancer growth." The research offers a molecular explanation for gene movement to the nuclear periphery upon activation, a phenomenon Brickner discovered two decades ago.
The team used various methods such as single molecule tracking and genome-wide mapping to explore Exportin-1’s functions in yeast cells. These findings could help develop new cancer treatments that target Exportin-1’s role in transcription more effectively and with fewer side effects than current therapies.
Ph.D. student Tiffany Ge explained, “Exportin-1 is overexpressed in many leukemias and cancers. Because it binds to the genome, it may alter transcription to promote oncogenesis.” Current inhibitors of Exportin-1 are toxic due to their impact on essential cellular functions like nuclear export.
The researchers aim to confirm if these interactions are consistent across species before considering drug development. They also plan to further define the molecular interaction specifics.
The study was published in Molecular Cell on March 20 and supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and a fellowship from the National Science Foundation.