August 19, 2004 | Yoshimitsu Kanai, Naoshi Dohmawa, Nobutaka Hirokawa
RNA transport is essential for local protein synthesis, particularly in neurons. This study isolates and characterizes an RNA-transporting granule that binds to kinesin (KIF5). The granule contains 42 proteins, including those involved in RNA transport, protein synthesis, and translational regulation. These proteins, along with mRNAs for CaMKIIα and Arc, colocalize in dendritic kinesin-associated granules. The granules move bidirectionally, with distal movement enhanced by KIF5 overexpression and reduced by its functional blockage. This indicates that kinesin transports RNA via the granule in coordination with dynein. The granule is large (1000S~), RNase-sensitive, and contains RNA, confirming it as a protein-RNA complex. The granule is not a vesicle but a distinct structure. Proteins in the granule are classified based on their binding to KIF5, with some showing strong interactions. The granule contains RNA, and its proteins are essential for RNA transport. The study reveals that kinesin transports RNA selectively in dendrites via this granule, providing new insights into RNA transport mechanisms.RNA transport is essential for local protein synthesis, particularly in neurons. This study isolates and characterizes an RNA-transporting granule that binds to kinesin (KIF5). The granule contains 42 proteins, including those involved in RNA transport, protein synthesis, and translational regulation. These proteins, along with mRNAs for CaMKIIα and Arc, colocalize in dendritic kinesin-associated granules. The granules move bidirectionally, with distal movement enhanced by KIF5 overexpression and reduced by its functional blockage. This indicates that kinesin transports RNA via the granule in coordination with dynein. The granule is large (1000S~), RNase-sensitive, and contains RNA, confirming it as a protein-RNA complex. The granule is not a vesicle but a distinct structure. Proteins in the granule are classified based on their binding to KIF5, with some showing strong interactions. The granule contains RNA, and its proteins are essential for RNA transport. The study reveals that kinesin transports RNA selectively in dendrites via this granule, providing new insights into RNA transport mechanisms.