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Updated: Jul 15, 2025

Analysis of Translation in the Developing Mouse Brain using Polysome Profiling
Published on: May 22, 2021
Celf4 controls mRNA translation underlying synaptic development in the prenatal mammalian neocortex
Iva Salamon1,2, Yongkyu Park1, Terezija Miškić3
1Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
This study reveals that the RNA binding protein CELF4 regulates synaptic development in the prenatal human brain. Its disruption impacts synapse balance, potentially explaining sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders are linked to abnormal neocortical and synaptic development.
- Mechanisms of prenatal neocortical synapse formation are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of initial synapse formation in the prenatal human neocortex.
- To identify key regulators of synaptic development and their role in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polysome profiling and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) on human fetal cortical samples.
- Examined CELF4 expression and function in murine and human neocortex.
- Investigated the impact of Celf4 deletion on synaptic development.
Main Results:
- Identified human mRNAs, including synaptic proteins, with translationally controlled expression in developing neocortices.
- Found CELF4 expressed in regions critical for early synaptogenesis (marginal zone, subplate).
- Celf4/CELF4-target mRNAs are encoded by neurodevelopmental risk genes; Celf4 deletion caused sex-specific disruption of subplate synapses.
Conclusions:
- RNA binding proteins and mRNA translation are crucial for advanced synaptic development.
- CELF4 plays a significant role in regulating synapse formation and balance.
- Findings suggest a potential mechanism contributing to sex differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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