Immediate early gene X1 (IEX-1) is organized in subnuclear structures and partially co-localizes with promyelocytic leukemia protein in HeLa cells

Immediate early gene X1 (IEX-1) represents a stress response gene involved in growth control and modulation of apoptosis. Here, we report a detailed analysis of IEX-1 with respect to its intracellular localization. By means of confocal laser scanning microscopy, a green fluorescent protein-IEX-1 fusion protein transfected into HeLa cells, as well as endogenous IEX-1, could be detected in distinct subnuclear structures. This particular subnuclear localization of IEX-1 was not observed with a green fluorescent protein-IEX-1 fusion protein lacking a putative nuclear localization sequence, along with a decreased effect on apoptosis. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed a partial co-localization of endogenous promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and IEX-1 in these subnuclear structures. Nuclear localization of IEX-1 is also enhanced upon treatment of cells with leptomycin B, an inhibitor of the nuclear exporter CRM1. These observations indicate that IEX-1 is specifically shuttled to and from the nucleus. Overexpression experiments using PML isoforms III and IV revealed distinct intranuclear interaction of IEX-1 and PML. Coprecipitation experiments showed physical interaction between IEX-1 and PML. The close structural relation of IEX-1-containing nuclear subdomains and PML nuclear bodies suggests a function of IEX-1 related to the multiple functions of these unique subnuclear regions, particularly during stress response and growth control.