Importin Subunit Alpha 5 (KPNA1)

Importin subunit alpha-5 (KPNA1) is a protein that functions as an adapter in the classical nuclear import pathway. It recognizes and binds to cargo proteins containing nuclear localization signals (NLS), forming a complex with importin beta (KPNB1) for translocation through the nuclear pore complex. In addition to its role in nucleocytoplasmic transport, KPNA1 is involved in DNA recombination, apoptosis, viral trafficking, and mitotic spindle orientation. It is ubiquitously expressed, with particularly high levels in the central nervous system, suggesting roles in neural cell function. It is considered a therapeutic target because of its central role in nuclear import, dysregulation which can contribute to various diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and viral infections.

Other names

Karyopherin subunit alpha 1IPOA5NPI-1RCH2SRP1-betaRAG cohort protein 2Importin α‑5Karyopherin α‑1SRPβ

Mediates nuclear import of cargo proteins by binding to nuclear localization signals (NLS) and interacting with importin beta (KPNB1)