Abstract
AbstractCentrosomes rely upon proteins within the pericentriolar material to nucleate and organize microtubules. Several mRNAs also reside at centrosomes, although less is known about how and why they accumulate there. We previously showed that localCentrocortin(Cen) mRNA supports centrosome separation, microtubule organization, and viability inDrosophilaembryos. Here, usingCenmRNA as a model, we examine mechanisms of centrosomal mRNA localization. We find that while the Cen N’-terminus is sufficient for protein enrichment at centrosomes, multiple domains cooperate to concentrateCenmRNA at this location. We further identify an N’-terminal motif within Cen that is conserved among dynein cargo adaptor proteins and test its contribution to RNA localization. Our results support a model whereby Cen protein enables the accumulation of its own mRNA to centrosomes through a mechanism requiring active translation, microtubules, and the dynein motor complex. Taken together, our data uncover the basis of translation-dependent localization of a centrosomal RNA required for mitotic integrity.SummaryEnrichment ofCentrocortin(Cen) mRNA at centrosomes is required for mitotic fidelity. This study describes a mechanism underlying co-translationalCenmRNA targeting involving microtubules, the dynein motor, and a highly conserved dynein binding motif within theCencoding sequence.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory