[摘要]：Various cellular stresses including oxidative stress induce a collapse of the Ran gradient, which causes accumulation of importin alpha in the nucleus and a subsequent block of nuclear protein import. However, it is unknown whether accumulated importin alpha performs roles in the nucleus after its migration in response to stress. In this study, we found that nuclear-retained importin alpha 2 binds with DNase I-sensitive nuclear component(s) and exhibits selective upregulation of mRNA encoding Serine/threonine kinase 35 (STK35) by microarray analysis. Chromatin immuno-precipitation and promoter analysis demonstrated that importin alpha 2 can access to the promoter region of STK35 and accelerate its transcription in response to hydrogen peroxide exposure. Furthermore, constitutive overexpression of STK35 proteins enhances caspase-independent cell death under oxidative stress conditions. These results collectively reveal that nuclear-localized importin alpha 2 influences gene expression and contributes directly to cell fate outcomes including non-apoptotic cell death. The EMBO Journal (2012) 31, 83-94. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2011.360; Published online 30 September 2011
