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Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR
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Tau mRNA is present in axonal RNA granules and is associated with elongation factor 1A

Tony Malmqvist1, Karen Anthony1, Jean-Marc Gallo1

  • 1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Neurodegeneration Research, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, United Kingdom.

Brain Research
|January 7, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Axonal tau mRNA is present in neurons, suggesting a mechanism for tau protein localization in distal axons. This finding is crucial for understanding neuronal development and function.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The microtubule-associated protein tau is primarily found in neuronal axons.
  • Mechanisms for tau's long-range axonal localization remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and localization of tau mRNA within neuronal axons.
  • To explore potential mechanisms for tau protein's distal axonal targeting.

Main Methods:

  • Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used on cultured rat cortical neurons.
  • Immunofluorescence was employed to detect tau mRNA-associated proteins.

Main Results:

  • Tau mRNA was detected in the central and distal regions of axons, including the growth cone.
  • Axonal tau mRNA was found within granules associated with the elongation factor 1A.
  • Elongation factor 1A is a component of the protein translation machinery.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of tau mRNA in axons suggests a role in local protein synthesis.
  • Axonal tau mRNA may contribute to the localization of tau protein in distal axons.
Keywords:
AxonTaueEF1AmRNA

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