Translational control during early development.
Translational control of specific messenger RNAs, which themselves are often asymmetrically localized within the cytoplasm of a cell, underlies many events in germline development, and in embryonic axis specification. This comprehensive, but by no means exhaustive, review attempts to present a picture of the present state of knowledge about mechanisms underlying mRNA localization and translational control of specific mRNAs that are mediated by trans-acting protein factors. While RNA localization and translational control are widespread in evolution and have been studied in many experimental systems, this article will focus mainly on three particularly well-characterized systems: Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Xenopus. In keeping with the overall theme of this volume, instances in which translational control factors have been linked to human disease states will also be discussed.
Lasko
Paul
P
Department of Biology and Developmental Biology Research Initiative, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000235:genetics; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000378:metabolism; D004194:Disease / Q000235:genetics; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D026723:Polyadenylation / Q000235:genetics; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*