MRNP granules Assembly, function, and connections with disease

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

353 Scopus citations

Abstract

Messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) granules are dynamic, self-assembling structures that harbor non-translating mRNAs bound by various proteins that regulate mRNA translation, localization, and turnover. Their importance in gene expression regulation is far reaching, ranging from precise spatial-temporal control of mRNAs that drive developmental programs in oocytes and embryos, to similarly exquisite control of mRNAs in neurons that underpin synaptic plasticity, and thus, memory formation. Analysis of mRNP granules in their various contexts has revealed common themes of assembly, disassembly, and modes of mRNA regulation, yet new studies continue to reveal unexpected and important findings, such as links between aberrant mRNP granule assembly and neurodegenerative disease. Continued study of these enigmatic structures thus promises fascinating new insights into cellular function, and may also suggest novel therapeutic strategies in various disease states.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1019-1030
Number of pages12
JournalRNA Biology
Volume11
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2014

Keywords

  • Decay
  • Germ granules
  • MRNA
  • Neurodegenerative disease
  • Neuronal transport granules
  • P-bodies
  • Repression
  • Stress granules
  • Translation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'MRNP granules Assembly, function, and connections with disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this