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mRNA localization as a rheostat to regulate subcellular gene expression

Nevraj S Kejiou1, Alexander F Palazzo1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. RNA
|January 26, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are localized to specific cell areas. This localization can control mRNA stability and protein production based on local cellular needs, acting as a regulatory rheostat.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • Current models suggest messenger RNA (mRNA) localization directs protein synthesis to specific subcellular locations.
  • However, this model is insufficient to explain cases where mRNA localization is unnecessary or leads to silencing and degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a new model where mRNA localization serves a dual role: enabling stabilization and translation, or facilitating silencing and degradation.
  • To highlight the function of localized mRNA as a rheostat, adapting protein production and mRNA stability to local cellular requirements.

Main Methods:

  • This study is primarily theoretical, proposing a new regulatory model based on existing observations.
  • It synthesizes findings from various studies on mRNA localization, translation, and degradation.

Main Results:

  • Localized mRNAs, with associated factors, can act as a rheostat, fine-tuning protein production and mRNA stability.
  • This rheostat function allows adaptation to the specific needs of the subcellular environment.

Conclusions:

  • mRNA localization is not solely for protein targeting but can be a mechanism for dynamic regulation of gene expression.
  • Localized mRNAs can be stabilized for translation or silenced and degraded, depending on the cellular context.

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