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Research Advances in mRNA Transport within Brain Cells
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute (MPI) have made significant advancements in understanding how mRNA is distributed in brain cells. The findings could deepen our comprehension of neurological disorders caused by mRNA transport failure. Using cryo-electron microscopy, they identified a protein complex called FERRY that aids Early Endosomes (EEs) to carry mRNAs to distant parts of the neuron. These findings could provide insight into neurological disorders caused by mRNA transport failure.
Key Facts
- A protein complex, FERRY, discovered by MPI scientists, has been identified as a critical component in mRNA transport within brain cells.
- Early Endosomes (EEs), previously underestimated, play a pivotal role in mRNA distribution by acting as mRNA carriers, facilitated by FERRY.
- Using cryo-electron microscopy, researchers revealed the intricate structure of FERRY and its novel mode of RNA binding which implicates in certain neurological disorders.
Teams Join Forces
Teams from MPI Institutes in Dresden, Dortmund, Frankfurt am Main, and Göttingen have joined forces to gain the first evidence of a protein complex responsible for the transport of messenger RNA in neurons. This collaboration has provided a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying mRNA distribution in brain cells.
FARAWAY, SO CLOSE!
Marino Zerial says, “These publications provide a major advancement to elucidate the mechanisms underlying mRNA distribution in brain cells”. Cells produce vital proteins using mRNA as a blueprint and ribosomes as 3D printers. However, brain cells face the challenge of transporting this mRNA across long distances.
“This implies that thousands of mRNAs need to be transported far away from the nucleus, resembling the logistic effort of properly supplying supermarkets in an entire country,” says Jan Schuhmacher, the first author of the study.
Early Endosomes Aid mRNA Distribution
Until now, researchers attributed the carrier role to spherical compartments inside the cell called Late Endosomes. However, MPI scientists argue that a different form of the compartments called Early Endosomes (EEs) are also suitable as mRNA carriers. Early Endosomes can travel in both directions along intracellular road networks and have been significantly underestimated in their role in mRNA distribution.
FERRY – A Vital Protein Complex
In the first publication, Marino Zerial from MPI in Dresden led the research to discover the function of a protein complex called FERRY (Five-subunit Endosomal Rab5 and RNA/ribosome intermediateY). FERRY is linked to EEs and functions as a tie-down strap during transport. It interacts directly with mRNA and holds it onto EEs, which function as logistic carriers for mRNA transport and distribution in brain cells.
New 3D Atomic Model Reveals Novel RNA Binding
In the second publication, Dennis Quentin et al. used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to infer the structure of FERRY and the molecular features that allow the complex to bind to both EEs and mRNAs. The newly discovered 3D atomic model of FERRY shows a novel mode of binding RNA, which involves coiled-coil domains. Scientists also explained how some genetic mutations affect FERRY’s ability to link mRNA, leading to neurological disorders.
About this Genetics and Neuroscience Research News
Author: Johann Jarzombek
Source: Max Planck Institute
Contact: Johann Jarzombek – Max Planck Institute
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
FAQs
What is the role of FERRY in mRNA transport?
FERRY is a protein complex that links to Early Endosomes and aids in carrying mRNA to distant parts of the neuron. It interacts directly with mRNA and holds it onto EEs, which become logistic carriers for mRNA transport and distribution in brain cells.
What are Early Endosomes?
Early Endosomes are compartments inside the cell that have been significantly underestimated in their role in mRNA distribution. They are suitable as mRNA carriers due to their ability to travel in both directions along intracellular road networks. They play a crucial role in mRNA distribution by acting as mRNA carriers facilitated by FERRY.
How did the researchers discover FERRY?
The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to detect the protein complex called FERRY.
What is cryo-electron microscopy?
Cryo-electron microscopy involves cooling molecules to low temperatures to understand how they are organized and how they function.
What is the significance of this research?
The findings of this research could provide insight into neurological disorders caused by mRNA transport failure. This research could be the groundwork for a more comprehensive understanding of these disorders that could lead to the identification of therapeutically relevant targets.
What did the study reveal about FERRY?
Using cryo-electron microscopy, researchers revealed the intricate structure of FERRY and its novel mode of RNA binding, which involves coiled-coil domains. Scientists also explained how some genetic mutations affect FERRY’s ability to link mRNA, leading to neurological disorders.
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