Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Visualizing RNA Localization in Xenopus Oocytes
Published on: January 14, 2010
A Xenopus protein related to hnRNP I has a role in cytoplasmic RNA localization
C A Cote1, D Gautreau, J M Denegre
1Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.
Abstract:
Cytoplasmic localization of mRNA molecules is a powerful mechanism for generating cell polarity. In vertebrates, one paradigm is localization of Vg1 RNA within the Xenopus oocyte, a process directed by recognition of a localization element within the Vg1 3' UTR. We show that specific base changes within the localization element abolish both localization in vivo and binding in vitro by a single protein, VgRBP60. VgRBP60 is homologous to a human hnRNP protein, hnRNP I, and combined immunolocalization and in situ hybridization demonstrate striking colocalization of hnRNP I and Vg1 RNA within the vegetal cytoplasm of the Xenopus oocyte. These results implicate a novel role in cytoplasmic RNA transport for this family of nuclear RNA-binding proteins.
Related Concept Videos
Nuclear Export of mRNA
Regulated mRNA Transport
Nuclear Protein Sorting
Proteins targeted to the nucleus carry nuclear localization signals or NLS recognized by import receptors in the cytosol. Similarly, proteins with nuclear export signals are recognized by export receptors. Import and export receptors are...
Nuclear Export
NES are of three types- the canonical 10-residue long leucine-rich signal and other...
Nuclear Export of mRNA
Regulated mRNA Transport

