Importin Subunit Alpha-5 (KPNA1) Antibody

Background

KPNA1, also known as importin-α1, is a nuclear transport adaptor protein that mediates the import of cargo proteins containing classical nuclear localization signals (NLS) into the nucleus. It forms a heterodimer with importin-β, which facilitates the translocation of the cargo-importin complex through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) via energy-dependent mechanisms. KPNA1 is widely expressed and plays a critical role in nuclear-cytoplasmic transport during processes like transcription regulation, cell cycle progression, and stress responses. KPNA1 is involved in viral infection, where it mediates the nuclear import of viral proteins. Dysregulation of KPNA1 is linked to diseases such as cancer, where altered nuclear transport enhances oncogenic signaling. Knockout studies highlight its role in embryonic development, where impaired KPNA1 function leads to defects in gene regulation and cell growth.