December 1, 2021
In this study published in the Int’l Journal of Mol. Sci., Sandra and colleagues focused on the role of Rgs4 RNA secondary structure on Staufen2 RNP assembly in neurons.
In close collaboration with our colleagues from the UK, we demonstrate that Staufen2 binds complex, long-ranged RNA hairpins in the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of its targets. These structures are involved in the Staufen2-dependent assembly of Rgs4 RNA into RNA granules and subsequent transport to distal dendrites. Importantly, disrupting the RNA hairpin impairs the observed effects. In conclusion, we demonstrate the importance of RNA secondary structure in regulating RNA granule assembly, localization and eventually translation.
Well done, Sandra!