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mRNA Fate in Human Cells; Degradation and Subcellular Localisation

Forogh Jafari1, Kamalpreet Kaur1, Jawairia Umar Khan1,2

  • 1Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Cell Biochemistry and Function
|September 15, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Messenger RNA (mRNA) fate, including degradation and localization, is vital for gene regulation and cellular function. Understanding these processes can lead to new therapies for diseases linked to mRNA dysregulation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) fate is crucial for gene expression regulation.
  • Key processes include post-translational degradation and subcellular localization.
  • These mechanisms control protein synthesis and cellular function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical roles of mRNA degradation and subcellular localization in human cells.
  • To highlight the importance of mRNA fate in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting mRNA dysregulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of mRNA degradation pathways (e.g., nonsense-mediated decay).
  • Analysis of mRNA localization mechanisms to organelles (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria).
  • Examination of disease implications, particularly in neurons and cancer cells.

Main Results:

  • mRNA degradation eliminates defective transcripts, preventing harmful protein buildup.
  • Subcellular localization directs mRNA for localized protein synthesis.
  • Dysregulation of mRNA fate is implicated in various diseases.

Conclusions:

  • mRNA fate is essential for cellular homeostasis and function.
  • Targeting mRNA degradation and localization pathways offers therapeutic potential.
  • Further research can advance treatments for diseases associated with mRNA dysregulation.
Keywords:
mRNA decaymitochondrial mRNAribonucleoproteins (RNP)sub‐cellular localized translation

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