Abstract
RNA localization is a key mechanism for generating cell and developmental polarity in a wide variety of organisms. We have performed studies to investigate a role for the Xenopus homolog of the double-stranded RNA-binding protein, Staufen, in RNA localization during oogenesis. We have found that Xenopus Staufen (XStau) is present in a ribonucleoprotein complex, and associates with both a kinesin motor protein and vegetally localized RNAs Vg1 and VegT. A functional role for XStau was revealed through expression of a dominant-negative version that blocks localization of Vg1 RNA in vivo. Our results suggest a central role for XStau in RNA localization in Xenopus oocytes, and provide evidence that Staufen is a conserved link between specific mRNAs and the RNA localization machinery.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 3035-3045 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Development |
Volume | 131 |
Issue number | 13 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Polarity
- RNA localization
- RNA-binding protein
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology