{"title":"RNA granules in flux: dynamics to balance physiology and pathology","authors":"Michael A. Kiebler, Karl E. Bauer","doi":"10.1038/s41583-024-00859-1","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p>The life cycle of an mRNA is a complex process that is tightly regulated by interactions between the mRNA and RNA-binding proteins, forming molecular machines known as RNA granules. Various types of these membrane-less organelles form inside cells, including neurons, and contribute critically to various physiological processes. RNA granules are constantly in flux, change dynamically and adapt to their local environment, depending on their intracellular localization. The discovery that RNA condensates can form by liquid–liquid phase separation expanded our understanding of how compartments may be generated in the cell. Since then, a plethora of new functions have been proposed for distinct condensates in cells that await their validation in vivo. The finding that dysregulation of RNA granules (for example, stress granules) is likely to affect neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases further boosted interest in this topic. RNA granules have various physiological functions in neurons and in the brain that we would like to focus on. We outline examples of state-of-the-art experiments including timelapse microscopy in neurons to unravel the precise functions of various types of RNA granule. Finally, we distinguish physiologically occurring RNA condensation from aberrant aggregation, induced by artificial RNA overexpression, and present visual examples to discriminate both forms in neurons.</p>","PeriodicalId":19082,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Neuroscience","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":34.7000,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Nature Reviews Neuroscience","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-024-00859-1","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"Neuroscience","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The life cycle of an mRNA is a complex process that is tightly regulated by interactions between the mRNA and RNA-binding proteins, forming molecular machines known as RNA granules. Various types of these membrane-less organelles form inside cells, including neurons, and contribute critically to various physiological processes. RNA granules are constantly in flux, change dynamically and adapt to their local environment, depending on their intracellular localization. The discovery that RNA condensates can form by liquid–liquid phase separation expanded our understanding of how compartments may be generated in the cell. Since then, a plethora of new functions have been proposed for distinct condensates in cells that await their validation in vivo. The finding that dysregulation of RNA granules (for example, stress granules) is likely to affect neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases further boosted interest in this topic. RNA granules have various physiological functions in neurons and in the brain that we would like to focus on. We outline examples of state-of-the-art experiments including timelapse microscopy in neurons to unravel the precise functions of various types of RNA granule. Finally, we distinguish physiologically occurring RNA condensation from aberrant aggregation, induced by artificial RNA overexpression, and present visual examples to discriminate both forms in neurons.
期刊介绍:
Nature Reviews Neuroscience is a journal that is part of the Nature Reviews portfolio. It focuses on the multidisciplinary science of neuroscience, which aims to provide a complete understanding of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Advances in molecular, developmental, and cognitive neuroscience have made it possible to tackle longstanding neurobiological questions. However, the wealth of knowledge generated by these advancements has created a need for new tools to organize and communicate this information efficiently. Nature Reviews Neuroscience aims to fulfill this need by offering an authoritative, accessible, topical, and engaging resource for scientists interested in all aspects of neuroscience. The journal covers subjects such as cellular and molecular neuroscience, development of the nervous system, sensory and motor systems, behavior, regulatory systems, higher cognition and language, computational neuroscience, and disorders of the brain. Editorial decisions for the journal are made by a team of full-time professional editors who are PhD-level scientists.