Structure and function of mRNA export adaptors

The mRNA export adaptors provide an important link between multiple nuclear mRNA processing events and the mRNA export receptor TAP/NXF1/Mex67p. They are recruited to mRNA through transcriptional and post-transcriptional events, integrating this information to licence mRNA for export. Subsequently they hand mRNA over to TAP and switch TAP to a higher-affinity RNA-binding state, ensuring its stable association with mRNA destined for export. Here we discuss the structure and function of adaptors and how they are recruited to mRNA.