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Emerging complexity of the HuD/ELAVl4 gene; implications for neuronal development, function, and dysfunction
Lucas M Bronicki1, Bernard J Jasmin
1Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
RNA (New York, N.Y.)
|July 18, 2013
Summary
The RNA-binding protein HuD is crucial for neuronal gene expression, regulating mRNA processing, stability, and translation. This review details HuD
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Precise spatiotemporal gene expression control is vital in neurons, relying on messenger RNA (mRNA) processing and abundance regulation.
- Trans-acting factors, including RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and micro-RNAs (miRs), govern mRNA metabolism by binding to cis-acting elements.
- The Hu/ELAV-like family member HuD is a well-characterized neuronal RBP influencing multiple mRNA metabolism aspects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of HuD expression and function within the nervous system.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms controlling HuD's localization, abundance, and activity in neurons.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing literature on HuD's role in neuronal gene regulation.
- Analysis of studies investigating HuD's impact on mRNA processing, stability, and translation.
- Examination of research on HuD's involvement in neuronal development, function, plasticity, and disease.
Main Results:
- HuD regulates the fate of numerous neuronal mRNAs, impacting diverse, functionally related gene groups.
- HuD is essential for neuronal development and function, playing key roles in neuronal plasticity.
- Evidence links HuD to axonal injury recovery, learning and memory, and neurological diseases.
Conclusions:
- HuD is a central regulator of neuronal mRNA metabolism, critical for neuronal health and function.
- Understanding HuD's molecular mechanisms offers insights into neuronal plasticity and disease pathogenesis.
- Further research into HuD regulation and function is warranted for therapeutic development.
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