Nuclear RNP complex assembly initiates cytoplasmic RNA localization

Tracy L. Kress, Young J. Yoon, Kimberly L. Mowry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

104 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cytoplasmic localization of mRNAs is a widespread mechanism for generating cell polarity and can provide the basis for patterning during embryonic development. A prominent example of this is localization of maternal mRNAs in Xenopus oocytes, a process requiring recognition of essential RNA sequences by protein components of the localization machinery. However, it is not yet clear how and when such protein factors associate with localized RNAs to carry out RNA transport. To trace the RNA-protein interactions that mediate RNA localization, we analyzed RNP complexes from the nucleus and cytoplasm. We find that an early step in the localization pathway is recognition of localized RNAs by specific RNA-binding proteins in the nucleus. After transport into the cytoplasm, the RNP complex is remodeled and additional transport factors are recruited. These results suggest that cytoplasmic RNA localization initiates in the nucleus and that binding of specific RNA-binding proteins in the nucleus may act to target RNAs to their appropriate destinations in the cytoplasm.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)203-211
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Cell Biology
Volume165
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 26 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Oocyte
  • RNA-binding protein
  • VegT
  • Vg1
  • Xenopus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cell Biology

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