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Related Concept Videos

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing02:41

Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing

In eukaryotic cells, nascent mRNA transcripts need to undergo many post-transcriptional modifications to reach the cell cytoplasm and translate into functional proteins. For a long time, transcription and pre-mRNA processing were considered two independent events that occur sequentially in the cell. However, it has now been well established that transcription and pre-mRNA processing are two simultaneous processes that are precisely regulated inside the cell.
The chromatin structure, especially...
What is Gene Expression?01:36

What is Gene Expression?

A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised  of nucleotides and proteins are comprised of amino acids, a mediator is required to convert the information encoded in DNA into proteins. This mediator is the messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA copies the blueprint from DNA by a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus by complementary base-pairing with the DNA template. The mRNA is then processed and...
What is Gene Expression?01:42

What is Gene Expression?

Overview
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR
07:06

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR

Published on: February 6, 2026

Making and breaking synapses through local mRNA regulation.

Sharon A Swanger1, Gary J Bassell

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|May 3, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Developing neurons regulate gene expression locally via mRNA transport and protein synthesis. This process is crucial for neuronal development and is implicated in neurological disorders.

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Detection of Axonally Localized mRNAs in Brain Sections Using High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization
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Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR
07:06

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR

Published on: February 6, 2026

Preparation of Synaptoneurosomes from Mouse Cortex using a Discontinuous Percoll-Sucrose Density Gradient
08:30

Preparation of Synaptoneurosomes from Mouse Cortex using a Discontinuous Percoll-Sucrose Density Gradient

Published on: September 17, 2011

Detection of Axonally Localized mRNAs in Brain Sections Using High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization
11:24

Detection of Axonally Localized mRNAs in Brain Sections Using High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization

Published on: June 17, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Neurons exhibit complex polarization with extensive axonal and dendritic structures.
  • Axon and dendrite development relies on precise, localized changes in protein and cytoskeletal composition.
  • Local mRNA regulation is a key mechanism for transducing developmental signals in neurons.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in post-transcriptional control of gene expression in developing neurons.
  • To highlight the roles of mRNA transport and local protein synthesis in neuronal development.
  • To discuss the implications of dysregulated mRNA regulation in neurological disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on mRNA transport and local protein synthesis.
  • Focus on molecular mechanisms including RNA-binding proteins, motors, microRNAs, and signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of studies related to axon growth, dendrite morphogenesis, and synapse formation.

Main Results:

  • Local mRNA regulation is essential for axon guidance, dendrite development, and synapse formation/refinement.
  • Key molecular players include RNA-binding proteins, microtubule motors, microRNAs, and translation factors.
  • Disruptions in these processes are linked to various neurological conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Post-transcriptional control of gene expression is vital for neuronal development.
  • Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into neurological disease.
  • Targeting mRNA regulation pathways may hold therapeutic potential.