A novel approach to nonviral DNA delivery is the use of ties of GAL4. We demonstrate that GAL4(1-147) can combinations of DNA-binding proteins such as the yeast specifically enhance transfection of plasmids containing transcriptional activator GAL4 and plasmid DNA containing the 17 bp recognition sequence. Interestingly, we found the specific binding sequence of the DNA-binding protein that the nuclear localization signal (NLS) of GAL4 is distinct inserted within it, in addition to the gene of interest to be from conventional NLSs, such as those of the SV40 large transferred into target cells. The amino terminal 147 amino tumor antigen and bipartite NLSs, in that it is recognized acids of GAL4 contain a DNA-binding domain that has exclusively by the nuclear pore targeting -subunit of the been shown to bind specifically to a 17 bp nucleotide rec-NLS-receptor importin complex, rather than the ␣-subunit. ognition sequence, while the amino terminal 74 amino Specific binding to DNA was blocked by -subunit binding, acids have been shown to be sufficient to target large hetwhile the converse was also true, making the GAL4-NLS erologous proteins to the nucleus. Although it has been novel in being regulated by DNA binding; this may play an previously exploited as a gene transfer vehicle, the exact important role in effecting release of GAL4 from the -subrelationship between GAL4's DNA binding and nuclear tarunit following transport through the nuclear pore. This geting activities has not been investigated. Using gel study encompasses the first direct analysis of NLS mobility shift assays and ELISA-based binding assays, this recognition/accessibility in vehicles for nonviral DNA transstudy examines this issue directly, establishing the mutual fer, with the results having relevance to the use of GAL4 exclusivity of the DNA-binding and nuclear targeting activiand comparable DNA-binding proteins in such vehicles.