Intracellular mRNA localization: motors move messages

Trends Genet. 2002 Dec;18(12):636-42. doi: 10.1016/s0168-9525(02)02819-6.

Abstract

Intracellular mRNA localization is a common mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In a wide range of organisms, mRNA localization coupled with translational regulation target the proteins to their site of function. Here, we describe recent exciting evidence that some mRNAs are transported as particles along the cytoskeleton by the molecular motors dynein, kinesin or myosin. We discuss the key questions of how localized mRNAs might be linked to motors and what determines their cytoplasmic destinations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA-Binding Proteins*
  • Drosophila / genetics
  • Drosophila / metabolism
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Dyneins / metabolism
  • Kinesins / metabolism
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Myosin Type V / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Yeasts / genetics
  • Yeasts / metabolism

Substances

  • ASH1 protein, Drosophila
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • osk protein, Drosophila
  • Myosin Type V
  • Dyneins
  • Kinesins