The Glc7p nuclear phosphatase promotes mRNA export by facilitating association of Mex67p with mRNA

mRNA export is mediated by Mex67p:Mtr2p/NXF1: p15, a conserved heterodimeric export receptor that is thought to bind mRNAs through the RNA binding adaptor protein Yra1p/REF. Recently, mammalian SR (serine/arginine-rich) proteins were shown to act as alternative adaptors for NXF1-dependent mRNA export. Npl3p is an SR-like protein required for mRNA export in S. cerevisiae. Like mammalian SR proteins, Npl3p is serine-phosphorylated by a cytoplasmic kinase. Here we report that this phosphorylation of Npl3p is required for efficient mRNA export. We further show that the mRNA-associated fraction of Npl3p is unphosphorylated, implying a subsequent nuclear dephosphorylation event. We present evidence that the essential, nuclear phosphatase Glc7p promotes dephosphorylation of Npl3p in vivo and that nuclear dephosphorylation of Npl3p is required for mRNA export. Specifically, recruitment of Mex67p to mRNA is Glc7p dependent. We propose a model whereby a cycle of cytoplasmic phosphorylation and nuclear dephosphorylation of shuttling SR adaptor proteins regulates Mex67p:Mtr2p/NXF1:p15-dependent mRNA export.