NXF1
NXF1 (nuclear RNA export factor 1, also known as TAP or Mex67) is a member of the NXF family that carries mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. It also mediates export of transcripts bearing retroviral constitutive transport elements. Browse Assay Genie's current range of NXF1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
NXF1 is involved in the export of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, a route described as the TAP/NFX1 pathway. It is also required for export of mRNA species carrying retroviral constitutive transport elements (CTE). The encoded protein overcomes the mRNA export block caused by saturating amounts of CTE RNA from type D retroviruses. NXF1 forms a heterodimer with NXT1, and this NXF1-NXT1 heterodimer participates in export of HSP70 mRNA together with ALYREF/THOC4 and THOC5, components of the TREX complex. ALYREF/THOC4-bound mRNA is thought to be handed over to the NXF1-NXT1 heterodimer for export.
NXF1 also contributes to export of m6A-containing mRNAs. The interaction between SRSF3 and YTHDC1 facilitates binding of m6A-containing mRNA to both SRSF3 and NXF1, which promotes nuclear export. The protein shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and binds poly(A)+ RNA in vivo. UniProt records it in the nucleoplasm, nuclear speckles, the nuclear pore complex and nuclear envelope, as well as in the cytoplasm and stress granules.
The NXF1 gene belongs to a family of nuclear RNA export factor genes. Family members share a noncanonical RNP-type RNA-binding domain, four leucine-rich repeats, an NTF2-like domain that allows heterodimerisation with NXT1, and a ubiquitin-associated domain that mediates interactions with nucleoporins. The leucine-rich repeats and NTF2-like domain are required for export activity. NXF1 is the vertebrate homologue of yeast Mex67p. Alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants.
NXF1 is a central carrier moving mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, making it a core subject for studies of gene expression.
The NXF1-NXT1 heterodimer receives ALYREF/THOC4-bound mRNA and works with THOC5, linking transcript processing to export.
SRSF3 and YTHDC1 promote binding of m6A-containing mRNA to NXF1, connecting RNA modification to nuclear export.
NXF1 supports export of mRNAs with constitutive transport elements, relevant to how retroviral transcripts reach the cytoplasm.
NXF1 exports mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and shuttles between the two compartments. With NXT1 it exports HSP70 mRNA alongside TREX components ALYREF/THOC4 and THOC5, and it also exports m6A-containing mRNAs and CTE-bearing retroviral transcripts.
NXF1 is also known as TAP and Mex67, and the export route is called the TAP/NFX1 pathway. The name Mex67 reflects that NXF1 is the vertebrate homologue of yeast Mex67p. The gene produces multiple transcript variants through alternative splicing.
NXF1 is the vertebrate homologue of yeast Mex67p, and mouse and rat both have an Nxf1 ortholog. It belongs to the NXF family, whose members share RNA-binding, leucine-rich repeat, NTF2-like and ubiquitin-associated domains. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other NXF family members and RNA export factors with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9UBU9; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.