MRNA LOCALIZATION · Characterisation of the mechanism of anchoring of specific localized transcripts in Drosophila

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Project objective

mRNA localization by active transport is thought to be a universal mechanism to target proteins efficiently to their site of function. Localized RNAs are transported to their destination by molecular motors that move along the cytoskeletal filaments, followed by retention at their final destinations.Several molecular motors, adaptors and trans-acting factors involved in the movement itself have been identified, but the mechanism of anchoring remains poorly understood. In the proposed project, we will use a rapid in vivo assay, which consists of injecting fluorescently labelled RNAs in Drosophila oocytes and embryos and imaging their movements by time-lapse video microscopy. Firstly, we will determine whether mRNA localization depends on anchoring at its site of localization or alternatively involves continuous active transport.To achieve this aim, we will assess whether microtubule-inhibiting drugs' and reagents' disrupting function of molecular motors affect RNA localization. If the maintenance of RNA localization is not MT motor dependant, we will determine what the intracellular structures are, and the molecular basis of retaining the RNA at the site of localization.We will characterise RNA anchoring in mutants for candidate genes. In parallel, we will map RNA signals required for anchoring and identify the transacting factors that bind to the signals using biochemical methods.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · EDINBURGHCoordinatorUnited Kingdom

Links

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