What is the function of the nuclear export receptor?

The nuclear export receptor plays a crucial role in the process of nucleocytoplasmic transport, specifically focusing on the export of RNA molecules from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. After mRNA is synthesized in the nucleus, it undergoes essential processing steps, including splicing and the addition of a poly(A) tail, which are critical for its stability and translation potential. Once these modifications are complete, the nuclear export receptor binds to the processed mRNA. This binding facilitates the translocation of the RNA through the nuclear pore complex into the cytoplasm, where it can be translated into a protein.

This function is vital for gene expression regulation, as only mature, properly processed mRNA can be exported and translated. The interaction between the nuclear export receptor and the processed RNA ensures that only valid mRNA molecules are exported, thereby maintaining the integrity of the cellular machinery involved in protein synthesis.