Importin-11 (IPO11)

Importin-11 is a specialized nuclear transport receptor of the karyopherin-β family that mediates the import of select nuclear localization signal-bearing cargo proteins, including E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (such as UbcM2) and the tumor suppressor PTEN[1][3][5]. Importin-11 interacts with Ran GTPase, shuttling between the cytoplasm and nucleus in an energy-dependent manner, docking at the nuclear pore complex and releasing its cargo upon GTP-triggered dissociation[1][5]. It plays essential roles in embryonic development, cell cycle regulation, ribosome synthesis, regulation of antioxidant responses, synaptic development, and cancer biology (notably in bladder, lung, prostate cancers, and leukemia)[2][3][4]. Its functional disruption can cause developmental lethality, while loss or overexpression alters cancer risk and progression. While currently without direct pharmacological inhibitors, its biological importance and disease roles make Importin-11 an attractive target for molecular therapy and disease biomarker development[3][4].

Other names

IPO11Importin-11RANBP11Imp11RanBP11Ran-binding protein 11ran-binding protein 11importin 11imp11IPO11-LRRC70

Modulation of nuclear import/export and substrate localization (for anticancer approaches, potential modulation of PTEN tumor suppressor localization and stabilization). Disruption of nucleocytoplasmic transport pathways, leading to altered cell cycle, differentiation, or apoptosis in cancer cells. Potential inhibition of cargo recognition/import as a strategy to interfere with Importin-11-dependent oncogenic programs. Targeting direct interactions with specific substrates (e.g., UbcM2, PTEN, ribosomal proteins).