Sac 3 is an mRNA export factor that localizes to the cytoplasmic fibrils of the nuclear pore complex

In eukaryotes, mRNAs are transcribed in the nucleus and exported to the cytoplasm for translation to occur. Messenger RNAs complexed with proteins referred to as ribonucleoparticles (RNPs) are recognized for nuclear export in part by association with Mex67, a key S. cerevisiae mRNA export factor and homolog of human TAP/NXF1. Mex67, along with its cofactor Mtr2, is thought to promote RNP translocation by interacting directly with components of the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Here we show that the nuclear pore associated protein Sac3 functions in mRNA export. Using a mutant allele of MTR2 as a starting point, we have identified a mutation in SAC3 in a screen for synthetic lethal interactors. Loss of function of SAC3 causes a strong nuclear accumulation of mRNA and synthetic lethality with a number of mRNA export mutants. Furthermore, Sac3 can be coimmunoprecipitated with Mex67, Mtr2, and other factors involved in mRNA export. Immunoelectron microscopy analysis shows that Sac3 localizes exclusively to cytoplasmic fibrils of the NPC. Finally, Mex67 accumulates at the nuclear rim when SAC3 is mutated suggesting that Sac3 functions in Mex67 translocation through the NPC.