Importin

Overview
Importin is a type of protein that moves other protein molecules into the nucleus by binding to a specific recognition sequence, called the nuclear localization signal (NLS). Importin is classified as a karyopherin.

Importin has two subunits, importin α and importin β. Of these, importin α binds to the NLS of the protein to be imported to the nucleus whereas importin β helps in the docking of the importin heterodimer-bound protein to the nuclear pore complex. The NLS-Importin α-Importin β trimer dissociates after binding to Ran GTP inside the nucleus.

Genes

 * Importin:, IPO7, , IPO9, ,
 * Karyopherin-α: KPNA1, KPNA2, KPNA3, KPNA4, KPNA5, KPNA6
 * Karyopherin-β: KPNB1