Novel functions for 'nuclear factors' in the cytoplasm: the Sex-lethal paradigm.

In recent years, novel functions for a number of nuclear factors have been uncovered in the cytoplasm, mainly at the level of translation. These factors behave as multifunctional regulators of gene expression and many play key roles in cell differentiation and development. One of the best characterized examples is that of Sex-lethal (SXL), an RNA-binding protein that is expressed in female Drosophila flies and controls sex determination and dosage compensation. Recent findings indicate that SXL, a paradigmatic regulator of splicing, also controls translation of target mRNAs. This review attempts to summarize this evidence and provide an overview of 'nuclear factors' with roles in translation.Copyright 1998 Academic Press Limited