Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine: http://www.expertreviews.org/
Accession information: Vol. 8; Issue 8; 21 April 2006 Abstract
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Proposed model for mRNA repression and transport in neurons

Barbara Bardoni, Laetitia Davidovic, Mounia Bensaid and Edouard W. Khandjian

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Figure 2. Proposed model for mRNA repression and transport in neurons. FMRP, the protein encoded by the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene, enters the nucleus and interacts with the pre-messenger ribonucleoprotein (pre-mRNP) complexes to escort them to the cytoplasm. In neurons decorated with long extensions, once the mRNP complexes reach the cytoplasm, they are directed to a ‘triage centre’ where decisions are taken to send the mRNAs either to the translation apparatus to be decoded, or to translocate these mRNAs to distant locations. High levels of FMRP, as detected in neurons, in concert with other RNA-binding proteins such as FXR1P and FXR2P (encoded by the fragile-X-related genes 1 and 2), as well as other factors, might be necessary to saturate the mRNA and to repress its activity. The resulting granules are then sent along the dendrites, by ‘sliding’ on microtubule structures, to be delivered to the spines, where the repressed mRNA is reactivated under the right stimuli, in order to be locally translated. Note the high density of actin filaments (cytoskeleton) in the spine.

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