On track with P-bodies.
P-bodies (processing bodies) are cytoplasmic foci visible by light microscopy in somatic cells of vertebrate and invertebrate origin as well as in yeast, plants and trypanosomes. At the molecular level, P-bodies are dynamic aggregates of specific mRNAs and proteins that serve a dual function: first, they harbour mRNAs that are translationally silenced, and such mRNA can exit again from P-bodies to re-engage in translation. Secondly, P-bodies recruit mRNAs that are targeted for deadenylation and degradation by the decapping/Xrn1 pathway. Whereas certain proteins are core constituents of P-bodies, others involved in recognizing short-lived mRNAs can only be trapped in P-bodies when mRNA decay is attenuated. This reflects the very transient interactions by which many proteins associate with P-bodies. In the present review, we summarize recent findings on the function, assembly and motility of P-bodies. An updated list of proteins and RNAs that localize to P-bodies will help in keeping track of this fast-growing field.
Kulkarni
Meeta
M
Helmholtz Junior Research Group Posttranscriptional Control of Gene Expression, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Ozgur
Sevim
S
Stoecklin
Georg
G
D000818:Animals; D020868:Gene Silencing; D002479:Inclusion Bodies / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism; D012315:RNA Caps / Q000378:metabolism; D020871:RNA Stability; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D035683:MicroRNAs; D012315:RNA Caps; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins