MGSSHHHHHH SSGLVPRGSH MGDKPIWEQI GSSFIQHYYQ LFDNDRTQLG AIYIDASCLT WEGQQFQGKA AIVEKLSSLP FQKIQHSITA QDHQPTPDSC IISMVVGQLK ADEDPIMGFH QMFLLKNIND AWVCTNDMFR LALHNFG.
NTF2 is a cytosolic factor that facilitates the import of proteins into the nucleus. It interacts with the nuclear pore complex (NPC) glycoprotein p62, which is essential for the transport process . The primary function of NTF2 is to mediate the nuclear import of RanGDP, a small Ras-like GTPase involved in numerous cellular processes . This process is vital for maintaining cellular nuclear transport and overall cell viability .
NTF2 binds RanGDP in the cytoplasm and carries it through the NPC by binding to the FxFG repeats of nucleoporins. This binding allows rapid attachment and detachment of NTF2 to the nucleoporins as it passes through the NPC. At the nuclear side of the NPC, the release of RanGDP from NTF2 may be promoted by the dissociation of NTF2 into its monomers .
The recombinant form of NTF2 is typically expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is available as a lyophilized powder . The recombinant protein is purified to a high degree, often exceeding 90% purity as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis . This high purity is essential for various biochemical and physiological studies.
NTF2 is involved in several critical biological processes, including: