Fig. 5.

KPNA2 drives protumorigenic STMN1 expression by nuclear import of the transcription factors E2F1 and TFDP1. E2F1 and TFDP1 form a heterotrimeric complex with KPNA2 and importin β1 (KPNB) which translocates into the nucleus through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Upon dissociation of the complex E2F1 and TFDP1 bind to the STMN1 promoter and drive STMN1 expression (red wavy lines = STMN1 mRNA). Compared to a normal, healthy liver KPNA2 is overexpressed in HCC, resulting in accelerated E2F1/TFDP1-mediated STMN1 transcription