Local translation of the Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) mRNA in the vertebrate central nervous system

Local translation of synaptic mRNAs is an important process related to key aspects of central nervous system development and physiology, including dendritogenesis, axonal growth cone morphology and guidance and synaptic plasticity. Accordingly, local translation is compromised in several intellectual disabilities, including Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis and Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (DSCAM) is a gene with ascribed functions in neuronal wiring that belongs to the Down Syndrome Critical Region (DSCR) of chromosome 21. In this review, we discuss the evidence for local translation of the DSCAM mRNA in dendrites and axonal growth cones of mouse hippocampal neurons, as well as the possible functions of the locally translated DSCAM protein.