The Central Dogma Decentralized: New Perspectives on RNA Function and Local Translation in Neurons

Abstract

The elaborate morphology of neurons together with the information processing that occurs in remote dendritic and axonal compartments makes the use of decentralized cell biological machines necessary. Recent years have witnessed a revolution in our understanding of signaling in neuronal compartments and the manifold functions of a variety of RNA molecules that regulate protein translation and other cellular functions. Here we discuss the view that mRNA localization and RNA-regulated and localized translation underlie many fundamental neuronal processes and highlight key issues for future experiments.

Abstract

Recent years have brought a revolution in our understanding of the diverse roles of RNA molecules (both within and outside the nervous system), as well in our view of neuronal compartments as distinct signaling units. Christine Holt and Eric Schuman review how the convergence of these two cell biological areas has changed our view on spatial signaling in neurons.