The RNA-binding protein Mex3b has a fine-tuning system for mRNA regulation in early Xenopus development

Post-transcriptional control by RNA-binding proteins is a precise way to assure appropriate levels of gene expression. Here, we identify a novel mRNA regulatory system involving Mex3b (RKHD3) and demonstrate its role in FGF signaling. mex3b mRNA has a 3' long conserved UTR, named 3'LCU, which contains multiple elements for both mRNA destabilization and translational enhancement. Notably, Mex3b promotes destabilization of its own mRNA by binding to the 3'LCU, thereby forming a negative autoregulatory loop. The combination of positive regulation and negative autoregulation constitutes a fine-tuning system for post-transcriptional control. In early embryogenesis, Mex3b is involved in anteroposterior patterning of the neural plate. Consistent with this, Mex3b can attenuate FGF signaling and destabilize mRNAs for the FGF signaling components Syndecan 2 and Ets1b through their 3' UTRs. These data suggest that the 3'LCU-mediated fine-tuning system determines the appropriate level of mex3b expression, which in turn contributes to neural patterning through regulating FGF signaling.