[HTML][HTML] Huntingtin mediates dendritic transport of β-actin mRNA in rat neurons

B Ma, JN Savas, MS Yu, BP Culver, MV Chao… - Scientific reports, 2011 - nature.com
B Ma, JN Savas, MS Yu, BP Culver, MV Chao, N Tanese
Scientific reports, 2011nature.com
Transport of mRNAs to diverse neuronal locations via RNA granules serves an important
function in regulating protein synthesis within restricted sub-cellular domains. We recently
detected the Huntington's disease protein huntingtin (Htt) in dendritic RNA granules;
however, the functional significance of this localization is not known. Here we report that Htt
and the huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) are co-localized with the microtubule motor
proteins, the KIF5A kinesin and dynein, during dendritic transport of β-actin mRNA. Live cell …
Abstract
Transport of mRNAs to diverse neuronal locations via RNA granules serves an important function in regulating protein synthesis within restricted sub-cellular domains. We recently detected the Huntington's disease protein huntingtin (Htt) in dendritic RNA granules; however, the functional significance of this localization is not known. Here we report that Htt and the huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) are co-localized with the microtubule motor proteins, the KIF5A kinesin and dynein, during dendritic transport of β-actin mRNA. Live cell imaging demonstrated that β-actin mRNA is associated with Htt, HAP1 and dynein intermediate chain in cultured neurons. Reduction in the levels of Htt, HAP1, KIF5A and dynein heavy chain by lentiviral-based shRNAs resulted in a reduction in the transport of β-actin mRNA. These findings support a role for Htt in participating in the mRNA transport machinery that also contains HAP1, KIF5A and dynein.
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