Role of Importin 13 nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of DNA repair and apoptotic factors under stress

Trafficking of proteins is essential for the communication between the nucleus and cytoplasm during almost all cellular processes, including stress-responsive pathways in DNA repair and apoptosis. Cellular stress is known to inhibit classical transport pathways, preventing trafficking of proteins in response to stress. Importin 13 (IMP13) is unique transporter in that it can perform bi-directional transport of proteins and continue to function under stress. This thesis investigates the role of IMP13 in mediating the trafficking of DNA repair and cell death proteins under cellular stress, and further highlights the critical role of IMP13 in tightly regulating the decision balance between cell survival and death.