![Regulating Protein Synthesis in Neurons]()
mRNAs exit the nucleus and travel to particular places in the cytoplasm. Where mRNAs localize influences where specific proteins will be synthesized and the quantity of protein produced. Robert H. Singer, Ph.D., Young Yoon Ph.D., and colleagues used high-resolution imaging to more precisely follow the localization of single molecules of mRNAs in live neurons. These mRNAs code for β-actin, a protein that gives dendritic spines the plasticity to respond to stimuli. The researchers found that synaptic activity in dendrites determines to within a few microns where mRNAs will localize and begin expressing protein. The study published on October 17 in the online version of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Singer is professor and co-chair of anatomy and structural biology, as well as co-director of the Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center and of the Integrated Imaging Program. He also is professor in the Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience and of cell biology and the Harold and Muriel Block Chair in Anatomy & Structural Biology. Young Yoon is professor in the Dominick P. Pupura Department of Neuroscience.
Posted on: Friday, November 18, 2016