Interactome of Two Diverse RNA Granules Links mRNA Localization to Translational Repression in Neurons

• Dendritically localized mRNAs associate selectively with distinct RNA granules
• Components of the EJC associate with Btz-RNPs, but not with Stau2-RNPs
• CBP80, but not eIF4E, is found in both RNPs
• Well-known translational regulators associate with both RNPs

SummaryTransport of RNAs to dendrites occurs in neuronal RNA granules, which allows local synthesis of specific proteins at active synapses on demand, thereby contributing to learning and memory. To gain insight into the machinery controlling dendritic mRNA localization and translation, we established a stringent protocol to biochemically purify RNA granules from rat brain. Here, we identified a specific set of interactors for two RNA-binding proteins that are known components of neuronal RNA granules, Barentsz and Staufen2. First, neuronal RNA granules are much more heterogeneous than previously anticipated, sharing only a third of the identified proteins. Second, dendritically localized mRNAs, e.g., Arc and CaMKIIα, associate selectively with distinct RNA granules. Third, our work identifies a series of factors with known roles in RNA localization, translational control, and RNA quality control that are likely to keep localized transcripts in a translationally repressed state, often in distinct types of RNPs.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide