UPF1 P-body localization.
NMD (nonsense-mediated mRNA decay) is a mechanism that degrades transcripts containing PTCs (premature translation termination codons). NMD is a translation-associated process that is expected to take place throughout the cytoplasm. However, recent studies have indicated that the core NMD factors UPF1 (up-frameshift-1), UPF2 and UPF3 can associate with P-bodies (processing bodies), which are large cytoplasmic granules replete with proteins involved in general mRNA decay and related processes. It has been proposed that UPF1 directs PTC-containing mRNAs to P-bodies and triggers decay. Here, we discuss the link between P-bodies and NMD in view of recent studies that suggest that P-bodies are not required for NMD in Drosophila.
Brogna
Saverio
S
School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. s.brogna@bham.ac.uk
Ramanathan
Preethi
P
Wen
Jikai
J
D000818:Animals; D018389:Codon, Nonsense / Q000235:genetics*; D022083:Cytoplasmic Structures / Q000378:metabolism*; D020871:RNA Stability; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D018389:Codon, Nonsense; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins