mRNA Localization

Synonyms

Directional mRNA transport; RNA

Definition

mRNA localization describes the asymmetric accumulation of mRNAs at subcellular sites and their local translation.

Basic Characteristics

Introduction

It is often suggested that cytoplasmic proteins are generally translated throughout the cytoplasm. To date, however, numerous examples from fungi, invertebrates, and vertebrates are available where mRNAs are translated at subcellular sites (Fig. 1) (St Johnston 2005). A genome-wide assessment of mRNAs during the embryogenesis of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster showed that about 70% of all expressed transcripts exhibit distinct intracellular localization (Lecuyer et al. 2007). Although these numbers are likely to be lower for other organisms, this example provides strong evidence for the prevalence of mRNA localization.

mRNA Localization, Fig. 1

Examples of mRNA localization. Image of Xenopusoocytes: courtesy of Maike Claußen and Tomas Pieler. The neuron image has been reproduced...