Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025
10:56
Polysome Fractionation and Analysis of Mammalian Translatomes on a Genome-wide Scale
Published on: May 17, 2014
68.6K
Membrane-associated mRNAs: A Post-transcriptional Pathway for Fine-turning Gene Expression
Siyu Chen1, Martine A Collart1
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Journal of Molecular Biology
|April 22, 2024
Summary
Messenger RNA (mRNA) localization to organelles adds complexity to gene expression. This review covers regulators, techniques, and the significance of mRNA organellar targeting in gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gene expression involves transcription, processing, translation, and post-translational modifications.
- mRNA subcellular localization represents an additional regulatory layer.
- mRNAs can form structures in the cytoplasm and nucleus or target membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review knowledge on mRNA localization to organelles.
- To highlight key regulators of mRNA organellar targeting.
- To discuss techniques for studying organellar mRNA localization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on mRNA subcellular localization.
- Focus on organellar targeting of mRNAs.
- Analysis of regulatory mechanisms and detection techniques.
Main Results:
- mRNA localization to organelles is a significant aspect of gene expression.
- Specific regulators and mechanisms govern mRNA targeting.
- Various techniques are available for studying this process.
Conclusions:
- mRNA organellar localization is crucial for fine-tuning gene expression.
- Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into cellular function.
- Further research into mRNA targeting will advance molecular biology.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
902
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the...
902
02:24Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
22.7K
Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
22.7K
01:36What is Gene Expression?
8.5K
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised of nucleotides and proteins are comprised of amino acids, a mediator is required to convert the information encoded in DNA into proteins. This mediator is the messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA copies the blueprint from DNA by a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus by complementary base-pairing with the DNA template. The mRNA is then...
8.5K
02:22Regulated mRNA Transport
6.3K
In eukaryotes, transcription and translation are compartmentalized; an mRNA is first synthesized in the nucleus and then selectively transported to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. Before transport, a pre-mRNA undergoes several steps of post-transcriptional modifications including splicing, 5' capping, and the addition of a poly-adenine tail. Various proteins bind to the pre-mRNA during these modifications. The mRNA transport takes place with the help of multiple proteins playing...
6.3K
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
5.6K
The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
5.6K
02:31Nuclear Export of mRNA
7.7K
Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...
7.7K