Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• mRNA export is a critical regulatory step in gene expression, tightly coupled with pre-mRNA processing to ensure only mature mRNAs reach the cytoplasm. • Export factors not only facilitate transport but also influence upstream processing steps, adding complexity to gene regulation. • The export process competes with RNA processing and degradation pathways, maintaining a delicate balance essential for accurate gene expression. • While mechanisms are conserved, higher eukaryotes exhibit significant differences due to increased genome complexity, necessitating multiple adaptor proteins and sophisticated surveillance systems.
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, gene expression begins with transcription in the nucleus, followed by the maturation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). These mRNA molecules are then exported to the cytoplasm through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), a process that serves as a critical regulatory phase of gene expression. The export of mRNA is intricately linked to precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) processing, ensuring that only properly processed mRNA reaches the cytoplasm. This coordination is essential, as recent studies have revealed that mRNA export factors not only assist in transport but also influence upstream processing steps, adding a layer of complexity to gene regulation. Furthermore, the export process competes with RNA processing and degradation pathways, maintaining a delicate balance vital for accurate gene expression. While these mechanisms are generally conserved across eukaryotes, significant differences exist between yeast and higher eukaryotic cells, particularly due to the more genome complexity of the latter. This review delves into the current research on mRNA export in higher eukaryotic cells, focusing on its role in the broader context of gene expression regulation and highlighting how it interacts with other gene expression processes to ensure precise and efficient gene functionality in complex organisms.
1. Introduction
Eukaryotic cells contain all kinds of organelles that serve as sites of different cellular activities to maintain a variety of functions. The largest among them is the cell nucleus, which stores genetic information in the form of chromosomal DNA. A series of biological events, such as DNA replication, gene transcription and RNA processing, occur in the nucleus. However, protein translation and synthesis take place exclusively in the cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope that surrounds the nucleus separates these different activities. Owing to this physical separation, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) harboring genetic information must be exported to the cytoplasm for protein translation. Thus, the process of mRNA export is a key step for accurate expression of genetic information.
To be efficiently exported, nascent pre-mRNA needs to undergo a series of co- and post-transcriptional processing steps, including capping at the 5′ end, splicing to remove introns, 3′ end formation and RNA modifications. Then, the mature mRNA must cross the nuclear envelope through the NPC. This involves docking onto the nuclear basket, passing through the central channel of the nuclear envelope and being released from the cytoplasmic fibrils. All of these steps are highly regulated and coordinate with each other [1]. Correctly processed mRNAs are targeted for export by the formation of messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) particles, with mRNA export factors recruited to the nascent mRNA co-transcriptionally. The mRNP with defects is eventually eliminated by mRNA surveillance systems.
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Suli Chen, Qingyi Jiang, Jing Fan, Hong Cheng (2026). Nuclear mRNA export. Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica. https://doi.org/10.3724/abbs.2024145
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of mRNA export in gene expression?
mRNA export is a critical regulatory step that ensures only properly processed mRNAs are transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm for translation, thereby controlling gene expression.
How does mRNA export coordinate with pre-mRNA processing?
mRNA export factors are recruited co-transcriptionally and influence upstream processing steps such as capping, splicing, and 3' end formation, ensuring that only mature mRNAs are exported.
What are the main export receptors for mRNA?
The two main receptors are NXF1-NXT1 (Mex67-Mtr2 in yeast) and CRM1, which transport different subsets of mRNAs.
What differences exist between yeast and higher eukaryotes in mRNA export?
Higher eukaryotes have more complex genomes and extensive alternative splicing, requiring multiple adaptor proteins and sophisticated surveillance systems like the exon junction complex (EJC) to regulate export.
What is the significance of the competition between mRNA export and degradation?
The competition ensures that defective mRNPs are eliminated by surveillance systems, maintaining the fidelity of gene expression.
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