Imaging mRNA movement from transcription sites to translation sites.
RNA localization is one mechanism to temporally and spatially restrict protein synthesis to specific subcellular compartments in response to extracellular stimuli. To understand the mechanisms of mRNA localization, a number of methods have been developed to follow the path of these molecules in living cells including direct labeling of target mRNAs, the MS2-GFP system, and molecular beacons. We review advances in these methods with the goal of identifying the particular strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches in their ability to follow the movements of mRNAs from transcription sites to translation sites.
Rodriguez
Alexis J
AJ
Gruss Lipper Biophotonics Center, Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, United States.
Condeelis
John
J
Singer
Robert H
RH
Dictenberg
Jason B
JB
D000818:Animals; D008954:Models, Biological; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D012333:RNA, Messenger