Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR
Published on: February 6, 2026
Binding proteins for mRNA localization and local translation, and their dysfunction in genetic neurological disease
1Department of Neuroscience, Rose Kennedy Center for Mental Retardation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1410 Pelham Parkway, Bronx, New York 10461, New York, USA. bassell@aecom.yu.edu
Abstract:
Neurons utilize mRNA transport and local translation as a means to influence development and plasticity. The molecular mechanisms for this mRNA sorting involve the recognition of cis-acting sequences by distinct mRNA binding proteins that have a dual role, acting in both mRNA transport and translational regulation. Other proteins play a part in the assembly of messenger ribonucleoprotein complexes into transport granules. mRNA binding proteins are crucial targets of phosphorylation signals that regulate local translation. Fragile X syndrome and spinal muscular atrophy have emerged as two genetic neurological diseases that could result, in part, from impaired assembly, localization, and translational regulation of these messenger ribonucleoproteins.
Related Concept Videos
Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Regulated mRNA Transport
Regulated mRNA Transport
Nuclear Export of mRNA
Leaky Scanning

