Importin Subunit Alpha-6 (KPNA5) Antibody

Background

KPNA5, or importin-α6, functions as an adaptor protein mediating the nuclear import of cargo proteins containing classical nuclear localization signals (NLS). It forms a heterodimer with importin-β to translocate proteins across the nuclear pore complex (NPC) in an energy-dependent manner. KPNA5 is predominantly expressed in the brain, testes, and immune cells, suggesting specialized roles in neuronal function, germ cell development, and immune regulation. It regulates nuclear import of transcription factors and signaling proteins involved in cell differentiation, stress responses, and viral replication. KPNA5 is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancers, where it modulates nuclear transport of growth and survival regulators. Functional studies demonstrate its critical role in maintaining nuclear transport specificity and cellular homeostasis during development and disease progression.