Intracellular location of unoccupied 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptors: a nuclear-cytoplasmic equilibrium

In order to investigate the subcellular distribution of unoccupied 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors, highly purified cytoplasts and nucleoplasts were prepared from two kidney cell lines (PK1 and MDBK). This was accomplished utilizing the technique of enucleation by cytochalasin B and density gradient centrifugation. Unoccupied 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors were found in both the nuclear and cytosolic compartments, with approximately 70% of the receptors localized in the cytoplasm. When cells were pretreated with 1,25-[3H]dihydroxyvitamin D, prior to enucleation, it was found that 90% of the receptor-hormone complex was associated with nucleoplasts, thus demonstrating that cytochalasin B treatment does not alter the high-affinity association of the receptor-hormone complex with the nucleus. The ratio of unoccupied receptor/protein was found to be the same in whole cells, cytoplasts, and nucleoplasts for both cell types. The ratio of unoccupied receptor/DNA was highest in cytoplasts and lowest in nucleoplasts. Taken together, these data indicate that the unoccupied 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor is generally associated with cell proteins and not specifically associated with cell DNA. We therefore propose, at least for these cells, that the unoccupied 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor exists in equilibrium between the nuclear and cytosolic compartments of the whole cell, and receptor-hormone binding shifts this equilibrium to favor nuclear localization.     

Implication of the nucleus in excitation contraction coupling of heart cells

In the present study, Fluo-3 Ca²⁺ measurement and confocal microscopy techniques were used in order to localize cytosolic [ ]_c and nuclear [ ]_n free Ca²⁺ distribution in resting and spontaneously contracting single heart cells from 10-day-old chick embryos. In resting single cells, the concentration of Ca²⁺ in the cytoplasm was lower than that in the nucleus. Increasing cytosolic free Ca²⁺ from 100–1600 nM gradually increased [Ca²⁺]_n with a maximum capacity near 1200 nM. Results from Fura-2 microfluorometry and Fluo-3 confocal microscopy suggest a potential cross talk between the increase of cytosolic free Ca²⁺ and the uptake and release of Ca²⁺ by the nucleus during spontaneous contraction of single myocytes. Calcium waves in spontaneously contracting cells were found to spread from one cell to the next with the nucleus acting as a fluorescent beacon in which Ca²⁺ levels remained elevated for several milliseconds even after cytosolic Ca²⁺ had returned to near basal values. These results strongly suggest that the nucleus plays a negative and positive feedback role in controlling cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentration during excitation-contraction coupling in heart cells.     

New insights into cytosolic glucose levels during differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts into adipocytes

Cytosolic glucose concentration reflects the balance between glucose entry across the plasma membrane and cytosolic glucose utilization. In adipocytes, glucose utilization is considered very rapid, meaning that every glucose molecule entering the cytoplasm is quickly phosphorylated. Thus, the cytosolic free glucose concentration is considered to be negligible; however, it was never measured directly. In the present study, we monitored cytosolic glucose dynamics in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts and adipocytes by expressing a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based glucose nanosensor: fluorescent indicator protein FLIPglu-600μ. Specifically, we monitored cytosolic glucose responses by varying transmembrane glucose concentration gradient. The changes in cytosolic glucose concentration were detected in only 56% of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts and in 14% of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In adipocytes, the resting cytosolic glucose concentration was reduced in comparison with the one recorded in fibroblasts. Membrane permeabilization increased cytosolic glucose concentration in adipocytes, and glycolytic inhibitor iodoacetate failed to increase cytosolic glucose concentration, indicating low adipocyte permeability for glucose at rest. We also examined the effects of insulin and adrenaline. Insulin significantly increased cytosolic glucose concentration in adipocytes by a factor of 3.6; however, we recorded no effect on delta ratio (ΔR) in fibroblasts. Adrenaline increased cytosolic glucose concentration in fibroblasts but not in adipocytes. However, in adipocytes in insulin-stimulated conditions, glucose clearance was significantly faster following adrenaline addition in comparison with controls (p < 0.001). Together, these results demonstrate that during differentiation, adipocytes develop more efficient mechanisms for maintaining low cytosolic glucose concentration, predominantly with reduced membrane permeability for glucose.     

The localization of histone H3K27me3 demethylase Jmjd3 is dynamically regulated

Jmjd3 is required for cellular differentiation and senescence, and inhibits the induction of pluripotent stem cells by demethylating histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). Although recent studies reveal crucial biological roles for Jmjd3, it is unclear how its demethylase activity is controlled. Here, we show that nuclear localization of Jmjd3 is required for effective demethylation of H3K27me3. Our subcellular localization analysis of Jmjd3 shows that the N-terminal region of the protein is responsible for its nuclear placement, whereas the C-terminal region harboring the catalytic Jumonji C (JmjC) domain cannot situate into the nucleus. We identify two classical nuclear localization signals (cNLSs) in the N-terminal domain of Jmjd3. Forced nuclear emplacement of the catalytic domain of Jmjd3 by fusion with a heterologous cNLS significantly enhances its H3K27me3 demethylation activity. A dynamic nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of endogenous Jmjd3 occurs in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Jmjd3 is localized both into the cytoplasm and the nucleus, and its nuclear export is dependent on Exportin-1, as treatment with leptomycin B triggers nuclear accumulation of Jmjd3. These results suggest that the subcellular localization of Jmjd3 is dynamically regulated and has pivotal roles for H3K27me3 status.     

The localization of histone H3K27me3 demethylase Jmjd3 is dynamically regulated

Jmjd3 is required for cellular differentiation and senescence, and inhibits the induction of pluripotent stem cells by demethylating histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). Although recent studies reveal crucial biological roles for Jmjd3, it is unclear how its demethylase activity is controlled. Here, we show that nuclear localization of Jmjd3 is required for effective demethylation of H3K27me3. Our subcellular localization analysis of Jmjd3 shows that the N-terminal region of the protein is responsible for its nuclear placement, whereas the C-terminal region harboring the catalytic Jumonji C (JmjC) domain cannot situate into the nucleus. We identify two classical nuclear localization signals (cNLSs) in the N-terminal domain of Jmjd3. Forced nuclear emplacement of the catalytic domain of Jmjd3 by fusion with a heterologous cNLS significantly enhances its H3K27me3 demethylation activity. A dynamic nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of endogenous Jmjd3 occurs in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Jmjd3 is localized both into the cytoplasm and the nucleus, and its nuclear export is dependent on Exportin-1, as treatment with leptomycin B triggers nuclear accumulation of Jmjd3. These results suggest that the subcellular localization of Jmjd3 is dynamically regulated and has pivotal roles for H3K27me3 status.     

Dynamics of galectin-3 in the nucleus and cytoplasm

This review summarizes selected studies on galectin-3 (Gal3) as an example of the dynamic behavior of a carbohydrate-binding protein in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells. Within the 15-member galectin family of proteins, Gal3 (M_r ∼ 30,000) is the sole representative of the chimera subclass in which a proline- and glycine-rich NH₂-terminal domain is fused onto a COOH-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain responsible for binding galactose-containing glycoconjugates. The protein shuttles between the cytoplasm and nucleus on the basis of targeting signals that are recognized by importin(s) for nuclear localization and exportin-1 (CRM1) for nuclear export. Depending on the cell type, specific experimental conditions in vitro, or tissue location, Gal3 has been reported to be exclusively cytoplasmic, predominantly nuclear, or distributed between the two compartments. The nuclear versus cytoplasmic distribution of the protein must reflect, then, some balance between nuclear import and export, as well as mechanisms of cytoplasmic anchorage or binding to a nuclear component. Indeed, a number of ligands have been reported for Gal3 in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Most of the ligands appear to bind Gal3, however, through protein–protein interactions rather than through protein–carbohydrate recognition. In the cytoplasm, for example, Gal3 interacts with the apoptosis repressor Bcl-2 and this interaction may be involved in Gal3's anti-apoptotic activity. In the nucleus, Gal3 is a required pre-mRNA splicing factor; the protein is incorporated into spliceosomes via its association with the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex. Although the majority of these interactions occur via the carbohydrate recognition domain of Gal3 and saccharide ligands such as lactose can perturb some of these interactions, the significance of the protein's carbohydrate-binding activity, per se, remains a challenge for future investigations.     

Immunofluorescence localization of the regulatory subunit type II of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in PC12 and 3T3 cells in different proliferative states

Localization of the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase type II was studied in proliferating and quiescent fibroblasts 3T3 and in a cell line of neural origin pheochromocytoma PC12. In actively proliferating PCl2 cells the regulatory subunit was found to be localized in the nucleus. Transition of these cells into a quiescent state was accompanied by a regulatory subunit translocation to the cytoplasm. In 3T3 cells the regulatory subunit was localized in the cytoplasm both in the quiescent and proliferating (though less actively than PC12 cells) states. Similar results were obtained both with monoclonal antibodies and with rabbit monospecific antiserum raised against the regulatory subunit type II from pig brain.     

Cell-cycle dependent biosynthesis and localization of p53 protein in untransformed human cells

Summary— Localization of p53 in human cultured lymphocytes and in cultured skin fibroblasts was studied by immuno-fluorescent microscopy and post-embedded immunoelectron microscopy using Lowicryl K4M. In quiescent lymphocytes, p53 was found in small amounts in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. p53 in the nucleus was found associated with the non-chromatin structure. At 24 h or 72 h of PHA stimulation, p53 increased markedly just beneath the plasma membrane and in the nucleus, which stained diffusely with anti-p53. In resting fibroblasts, small amounts of p53 were present in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. After 16 h of stimulation of confluent-resting fibroblasts by trypsinization and replating, a phase just prior to the initiation of DNA synthesis, p53 slightly increased in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Afterwards, p53 was present predominantly in the cytoplasm, closely associated with the cytoskeletal actin filaments. In mitotic cells, p53 was distributed throughout the cytoplasm. When fibroblasts were extracted with saponin, p53 was still associated with the actin filaments, as well as mitochondrial membranes and granular structures of the nuclear matrix. Our data suggest that the initial increase of p53 in cells that enter the cell cycle through G1 first bind to the actin cytoskeleton, and that some of the p53 then move into the nucleus to initiate gene activation and DNA synthesis for cell proliferation. This implies that there is some functionally significant interaction between p53 and actin in the cells.     

Nuclear localization and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation of the multifunctional protein CAD

CAD is a multifunctional protein that initiates and regulates mammalian de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. The activation of the pathway required for cell proliferation is a consequence of the phosphorylation of CAD Thr-456 by mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Although most of the CAD in the cell was cytosolic, cell fractionation and fluorescence microscopy showed that Thr(P)-456 CAD was primarily localized within the nucleus in association with insoluble nuclear substructures, including the nuclear matrix. CAD in resting cells was cytosolic and unphosphorylated. Upon epidermal growth factor stimulation, CAD moved to the nucleus, and Thr-456 was found to be phosphorylated. Mutation of the CAD Thr-456 and inhibitor studies showed that nuclear import is not mediated by MAP kinase phosphorylation. Two fluorescent CAD constructs, NLS-CAD and NES-CAD, were prepared that incorporated strong nuclear import and export signals, respectively. NLS-CAD was exclusively nuclear and extensively phosphorylated. In contrast, NES-CAD was confined to the cytoplasm, and Thr-456 remained unphosphorylated. Although alternative explanations can be envisioned, it is likely that phosphorylation occurs within the nucleus where much of the activated MAP kinase is localized. Trapping CAD in the nucleus had a minimal effect on pyrimidine metabolism. In contrast, when CAD was excluded from the nucleus, the rate of pyrimidine biosynthesis, the nucleotide pools, and the growth rate were reduced by 21, 36, and 60%, respectively. Thus, the nuclear import of CAD appears to promote optimal cell growth. UMP synthase, the bifunctional protein that catalyzes the last two steps in the pathway, was also found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus.     

Differential codes for free Ca(2+)-calmodulin signals in nucleus and cytosol

BACKGROUND: Many targets of calcium signaling pathways are activated or inhibited by binding the Ca(2+)-liganded form of calmodulin (Ca(2+)-CaM). Here, we test the hypothesis that local Ca(2+)-CaM-regulated signaling processes can be selectively activated by local intracellular differences in free Ca(2+)-CaM concentration. RESULTS: Energy-transfer confocal microscopy of a fluorescent biosensor was used to measure the difference in the concentration of free Ca(2+)-CaM between nucleus and cytoplasm. Strikingly, short receptor-induced calcium spikes produced transient increases in free Ca(2+)-CaM concentration that were of markedly higher amplitude in the cytosol than in the nucleus. In contrast, prolonged increases in calcium led to equalization of the nuclear and cytosolic free Ca(2+)-CaM concentrations over a period of minutes. Photobleaching recovery and translocation measurements with fluorescently labeled CaM showed that equalization is likely to be the result of a diffusion-mediated net translocation of CaM into the nucleus. The driving force for equalization is a higher Ca(2+)-CaM-buffering capacity in the nucleus compared with the cytosol, as the direction of the free Ca(2+)-CaM concentration gradient and of CaM translocation could be reversed by expressing a Ca(2+)-CaM-binding protein at high concentration in the cytosol. CONCLUSIONS: Subcellular differences in the distribution of Ca(2+)-CaM-binding proteins can produce gradients of free Ca(2+)-CaM concentration that result in a net translocation of CaM. This provides a mechanism for dynamically regulating local free Ca(2+)-CaM concentrations, and thus the local activity of Ca(2+)-CaM targets. Free Ca(2+)-CaM signals in the nucleus remain low during brief or low-frequency calcium spikes, whereas high-frequency spikes or persistent increases in calcium cause translocation of CaM from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, resulting in similar concentrations of nuclear and cytosolic free Ca(2+)-CaM.     

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy reveal the cytoplasmic origination of loaded nuclear RISC in vivo in human cells

Studies of RNA interference (RNAi) provide evidence that in addition to the well-characterized cytoplasmic mechanisms, nuclear mechanisms also exist. The mechanism by which the nuclear RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) is formed in mammalian cells, as well as the relationship between the RNA silencing pathways in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments is still unknown. Here we show by applying fluorescence correlation and cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCS/FCCS) in vivo that two distinct RISC exist: a large ~3 MDa complex in the cytoplasm and a 20-fold smaller complex of ~158 kDa in the nucleus. We further show that nuclear RISC, consisting only of Ago2 and a short RNA, is loaded in the cytoplasm and imported into the nucleus. The loaded RISC accumulates in the nucleus depending on the presence of a target, based on an miRNA-like interaction with impaired cleavage of the cognate RNA. Together, these results suggest a new RISC shuttling mechanism between nucleus and cytoplasm ensuring concomitant gene regulation by small RNAs in both compartments.     

Distinct molecular regulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha isozyme controlled by its N-terminal region: functional role in calcium/calpain signaling

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is expressed as two isozymes α and β. They share high similarity in their catalytic domains but differ in their N- and C-terminal regions, with GSK-3α having an extended glycine-rich N terminus. Here, we undertook live cell imaging combined with molecular and bioinformatic studies to understand the distinct functions of the GSK-3 isozymes focusing on GSK-3α N-terminal region. We found that unlike GSK-3β, which shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm, GSK-3α was excluded from the nucleus. Deletion of the N-terminal region of GSK-3α resulted in nuclear localization, and treatment with leptomycin B resulted in GSK-3α accumulation in the nucleus. GSK-3α rapidly accumulated in the nucleus in response to calcium or serum deprivation, and accumulation was strongly inhibited by the calpain inhibitor calpeptin. This nuclear accumulation was not mediated by cleavage of the N-terminal region or phosphorylation of GSK-3α. Rather, we show that calcium-induced GSK-3α nuclear accumulation was governed by GSK-3α binding with as yet unknown calpain-sensitive protein or proteins; this binding was mediated by the N-terminal region. Bioinformatic and experimental analyses indicated that nuclear exclusion of GSK-3α was likely an exclusive characteristic of mammalian GSK-3α. Finally, we show that nuclear localization of GSK-3α reduced the nuclear pool of β-catenin and its target cyclin D1. Taken together, these data suggest that the N-terminal region of GSK-3α is responsible for its nuclear exclusion and that binding with a calcium/calpain-sensitive product enables GSK-3α nuclear retention. We further uncovered a novel link between calcium and nuclear GSK-3α-mediated inhibition of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.     

Nitric oxide decreases cytosolic free calcium in Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts by a cyclic GMP-independent mechanism.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of NO on cytosolic calcium levels in Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts that were previously shown to lack soluble guanylate cyclase activity. Authentic NO as well as two NO-generating vasodilators, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine and isosorbide dinitrate, decreased cytosolic calcium in these fibroblasts. The effect of NO and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine was concentration-dependent and, for the most part, reversible. Since S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine did not increase either cGMP or cAMP, NO did not increase cGMP, and 8-bromo-cGMP did not alter cytosolic free calcium, we conclude that NO decreases cytosolic free calcium by a cyclic nucleotide-independent mechanism in Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts.     

猫肾离体保存中亚细胞水平上Ca^2＋浓度的X—射线微区分析

应用定量Ｘ－射线微区分析技术结合细胞化学技术,分析测定用单纯冷冻法保存离体猫肾脏过程中肾脏细胞的胞浆、线粒体、内质网、细胞核等细胞器内的Ｃａ２＋浓度变化,并探索钙通道阻滞剂对这种变化的影响。保存３６小时及７２小时后,线粒体与胞浆中Ｃａ２＋的峰背比极显著地提高,内质网、细胞核中钙颗粒减少。添加Ｖｅｒａｐａｍｉｌ后,保存过程中细胞器内Ｃａ２＋无显著变化。线粒体中的Ｃａ２＋峰背比与胞浆中的呈强的正相关,ｒ＝０９９０。实验结果显示：保存过程中,Ｃａ２＋由钙库（内质网等）进入胞浆中,线粒体在胞浆Ｃａ２＋浓度高时摄取Ｃａ２＋,而钙通道阻滞剂可抑制该过程。     

Helical inclusions with nucleopore-like characteristics in the cytoplasm of swiss 3T3 Cells: A preliminary communication.

Helical inclusions have been observed at sites remote from the nucleus in the cytoplasm of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. Because of the interest shown in their unusual nucleopore complex-like nature, this preliminary communication briefly reports their existence and describes their essential ultrastructural features. Although they could be found singly, most formed collections of up to about 30 inclusions in which different planes of section were represented. TS profiles with hexagonal packing showed apparently identical eight-fold symmetry and dimensions to pores in the nuclear envelope of 3T3 cells. No membranes were associated with the inclusions, nor was there any suggestion of the strict vertical plate-like stacking found in annulate lamellae (AL). Furthermore, the inclusions were undoubtedly helical, and in all probability composed of several strands.     

Exportin 7 defines a novel general nuclear export pathway

Most transport pathways between cell nucleus and cytoplasm are mediated by nuclear transport receptors of the importin beta family. These receptors are in continuous circulation between the two compartments and transfer cargo molecules from one side of the nuclear envelope to the other. RanBP16 is a family member from higher eukaryotes of so far unknown function. We now show that it exports p50RhoGAP from the nucleus and thereby confines this activity to the cytoplasm. It also accounts for nuclear exclusion of 14-3-3sigma, which in turn is known to anchor, for example, cyclin-dependent kinases in the cytoplasm. Our data further suggest that RanBP16 exports several additional cargoes. It thus appears to be a nuclear export mediator with broad substrate specificity and we will therefore refer to it as exportin 7 (Exp7). Finally, we demonstrate that Exp7-dependent nuclear export signals differ fundamentally from the leucine-rich, CRM1-dependent ones: First, they are not just short linear sequences, but instead include folded motifs. Second, basic residues are critical for Exp7 recruitment.     

Export of Galectin-3 from Nuclei of Digitonin-Permeabilized Mouse 3T3 Fibroblasts

Galectin-3 is a galactose-/lactose-binding protein (M(r) approximately 30,000), identified as a required factor in the splicing of pre-mRNA. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that galectin-3 distributes differentially between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, depending on the proliferative state of the cells under analysis. Using digitonin-permeabilized mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, we provide evidence that galectin-3 is rapidly and selectively exported from the nucleus. Although both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated isoforms of galectin-3 are found in the nuclear fraction, only phosphorylated galectin-3 is identified in the exported fraction, implying that phosphorylation is important for the nuclear export of the protein. The rate of galectin-3 export is temperature dependent and is decreased by the addition of wheat germ agglutinin. More strikingly, galectin-3 export can be inhibited by the addition of leptomycin B, a drug that disrupts the interaction between the leucine-rich nuclear export signal and its receptor, CRM1 (chromosome maintenance region 1). Indeed, a putative leucine-rich nuclear export signal can be found in residues 241-249 of the murine galectin-3 sequence. Finally, gel filtration of the exported material showed that galectin-3 can be found in at least two high molecular weight complexes (approximately 650 and approximately 60 kDa), both of which can be disrupted by lactose.     

Nucleocytoplasmic Distribution and Dynamics of the Autophagosome Marker EGFP-LC3

The process of autophagy involves the formation of autophagosomes, double-membrane structures that encapsulate cytosol. Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) was the first protein shown to specifically label autophagosomal membranes in mammalian cells, and subsequently EGFP-LC3 has become one of the most widely utilized reporters of autophagy. Although LC3 is currently thought to function primarily in the cytosol, the site of autophagosome formation, EGFP-LC3 often appears to be enriched in the nucleoplasm relative to the cytoplasm in published fluorescence images. However, the nuclear pool of EGFP-LC3 has not been specifically studied in previous reports, and mechanisms by which LC3 shuttles between the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm are currently unknown. In this study, we therefore investigated the regulation of the nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of EGFP-LC3 in living cells. By quantitative fluorescence microscopy analysis, we demonstrate that soluble EGFP-LC3 is indeed enriched in the nucleus relative to the cytoplasm in two commonly studied cell lines, COS-7 and HeLa. Although LC3 contains a putative nuclear export signal (NES), inhibition of active nuclear export or mutation of the NES had no effect on the nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of EGFP-LC3. Furthermore, FRAP analysis indicates that EGFP-LC3 undergoes limited passive nucleo-cytoplasmic transport under steady state conditions, and that the diffusional mobility of EGFP-LC3 was substantially slower in the nucleus and cytoplasm than predicted for a freely diffusing monomer. Induction of autophagy led to a visible decrease in levels of soluble EGFP-LC3 relative to autophagosome-bound protein, but had only modest effects on the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio or diffusional mobility of the remaining soluble pools of EGFP-LC3. We conclude that the enrichment of soluble EGFP-LC3 in the nucleus is maintained independently of active nuclear export or induction of autophagy. Instead, incorporation of soluble EGFP-LC3 into large macromolecular complexes within both the cytoplasm and nucleus may prevent its rapid equilibrium between the two compartments.     

Transport of galectin-3 between the nucleus and cytoplasm. II. Identification of the signal for nuclear export

Galectin-3, a factor involved in the splicing of pre-mRNA, shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Previous studies have shown that incubation of fibroblasts with leptomycin B resulted in the accumulation of galectin-3 in the nucleus, suggesting that the export of galectin-3 from the nucleus may be mediated by the CRM1 receptor. A candidate nuclear export signal fitting the consensus sequence recognized by CRM1 can be found between residues 240 and 255 of the murine galectin-3 sequence. This sequence was engineered into the pRev(1.4) reporter system, in which candidate sequences can be tested for nuclear export activity in terms of counteracting the nuclear localization signal present in the Rev(1.4) protein. Rev(1.4)-galectin-3(240-255) exhibited nuclear export activity that was sensitive to inhibition by leptomycin B. Site-directed mutagenesis of Leu247 and Ile249 in the galectin-3 nuclear export signal decreased nuclear export activity, consistent with the notion that these two positions correspond to the critical residues identified in the nuclear export signal of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor. The nuclear export signal activity was also analyzed in the context of a full-length galectin-3 fusion protein; galectin-3(1-263; L247A) showed more nuclear localization than wild-type, implicating Leu247 as critical to the function of the nuclear export signal. These results indicate that residues 240-255 of the galectin-3 polypeptide contain a leucine-rich nuclear export signal that overlaps with the region (residues 252-258) identified as important for nuclear localization.