The chromatoid body: a germ-cell-specific RNA-processing centre.
The chromatoid body, a unique cloud-like structure of male germ cells, moves dynamically in the cytoplasm of haploid spermatids, but its function has remained elusive for decades. Recent findings indicate that microRNA and RNA-decay pathways converge to the chromatoid body. This highly specialized structure might function as an intracellular focal domain that organizes and controls RNA processing in male germ cells.
Kotaja
Noora
N
Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland.
Sassone-Corsi
Paolo
P
D000818:Animals; D022083:Cytoplasmic Structures / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000378:metabolism; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D013091:Spermatogenesis
D035683:MicroRNAs; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins