Nucleolin-Mediated RNA Localization Regulates Neuron Growth and Cycling Cell Size

Rotem Ben Tov Perry, Ida Rishal, Ella Doron-Mandel, Ashley L. Kalinski, Katalin F. Medzihradszky, Marco Terenzio, Stefanie Alber, Sandip Koley, Albina Lin, Meir Rozenbaum, Dmitry Yudin, Pabitra K. Sahoo, Cynthia Gomes, Vera Shinder, Wasim Geraisy, Eric A. Huebner, Clifford J. Woolf, Avraham Yaron, Alma L. Burlingame, Jeffery L. TwissMike Fainzilber

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

How can cells sense their own size to coordinate biosynthesis and metabolism with their growth needs? We recently proposed a motor-dependent bidirectional transport mechanism for axon length and cell size sensing, but the nature of the motor-transported size signals remained elusive. Here, we show that motor-dependent mRNA localization regulates neuronal growth and cycling cell size. We found that the RNA-binding protein nucleolin is associated with importin β1 mRNA in axons. Perturbation of nucleolin association with kinesins reduces its levels in axons, with a concomitant reduction in axonal importin β1 mRNA and protein levels. Strikingly, subcellular sequestration of nucleolin or importin β1 enhances axonal growth and causes a subcellular shift in protein synthesis. Similar findings were obtained in fibroblasts. Thus, subcellular mRNA localization regulates size and growth in both neurons and cycling cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1664-1676
Number of pages13
JournalCell Reports
Volume16
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 9 2016
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Nucleolin-Mediated RNA Localization Regulates Neuron Growth and Cycling Cell Size'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this