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Published on: November 2, 2018
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RNA granules in neuronal plasticity and disease
Karl E Bauer1, Bruna R de Queiroz2, Michael A Kiebler1
1Biomedical Center (BMC), Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
Trends in Neurosciences
|May 18, 2023
Summary
Neuronal RNA granules, crucial for protein synthesis and synaptic plasticity, change with aging and neuronal activity. Dysregulation may lead to neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- RNA granules are dynamic cellular structures controlling RNA localization and translation.
- Neuronal RNA granules are implicated in neurological disorders due to their RNA-binding protein content.
- These granules are found in both neuronal cell bodies (soma) and extensions (processes).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties of neuronal RNA granules as biomolecular condensates.
- To explore how RNA granule maturation and remodeling impact neuronal function and aging.
- To propose a model for RNA granule changes in health and neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on neuronal RNA granules.
- Analysis of RNA granule properties as biomolecular condensates.
- Examination of regulatory mechanisms including maturation, aging, and neuronal activity.
Main Results:
- Neuronal RNA granules exhibit characteristics of regulated biomolecular condensates.
- Granule properties are modulated by physiological aging and neuronal activity.
- Reversible remodeling of granules controls local protein synthesis and synaptic plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Neuronal RNA granules are dynamic, regulated structures essential for synaptic function.
- Changes in RNA granule maturation and dynamics are linked to aging and neurodegeneration.
- Understanding these processes offers insights into neurological disease pathogenesis.
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