Q9UBU9

TAP also known as MEX67, NXF1 is one member of a family of nuclear RNA export factor genes. TAP plays a crucial role in the nuclear export of unspliced viral RNAs, particularly those containing the constitutive transport element (CTE) found in type D retroviruses. By binding directly to the CTE, TAP facilitates the export of these viral RNAs, which is essential for the viral life cycle and the propagation of retroviral infections. TAP is part of a well-characterized mRNA export pathway and belongs to the multigene family of NXF proteins, which are evolutionarily conserved and characterized by a leucine-rich-repeat domain followed by a nuclear transport factor 2-like domain. The structural features of TAP enable direct interaction with various RNA molecules and other cellular components, thereby influencing gene expression and cellular responses to viral infections.