GTP hydrolysis links initiation and termination of nuclear import on the nucleoporin Nup358

Binding of GTP-bound Ran (RanGTP) to karyopherin β1 (Kapβ1) releases import cargo into the nucleus. Using an ultrastructural, biochemical, and functional approach, we have studied the mechanism by which Kapβ1·RanGTP is recycled at the nuclear pore complex for repeated rounds of import. In vitro, Kapβ1 bound to the RanBP1-homologous (RBH) domains of Nup358 in the presence of either RanGTP or RanGDP, forming trimeric complexes. The Kapβ1·RanGTP·RBH complex resisted dissociation by RanBP1 and GTP hydrolysis by Ran GTPase activating protein 1. Ran-dependent binding of gold- conjugated Kapβ1 to the cytoplasmic fibers of the nuclear pore complex in digitonin-permeabilized cells and RanBP1 competition confirmed the in vitro binding data. Interaction of karyopherin α and a classical nuclear localization sequence peptide with the Kapβ1·RanGTP·RBH complex stimulated GTP hydrolysis by Ran GTPase activating protein 1 both in vitro and in permeabilized cells. This GTP hydrolysis was required for reinitiation of import of a nuclear localization sequence-bearing substrate in permeabilized cells. These data suggest that GTP hydrolysis on the RBH domains of Nup358 couples the termination of one cycle of nuclear import with the initiation of the next.