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First published online 28 November 2007
doi: 10.1242/dev.014068

Development 135, 133-143 (2008)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2008
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A stem-loop structure in the wingless transcript defines a consensus motif for apical RNA transport

Gilberto dos Santos, Andrew J. Simmonds* and Henry M. Krause{dagger}

Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, Department of Medical Genetics and Microbiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E1, Canada.

{dagger} Author for correspondence (e-mail: h.krause{at}utoronto.ca)

Accepted 27 September 2007

Although the subcellular localization of mRNA transcripts is a well-established mechanism for controlling protein localization, the basis for the recognition of mRNA localization elements is only now emerging. For example, although localization elements have been defined for many mRNAs that localize to apical cytoplasm in Drosophila embryos, no unifying properties have been identified within these elements. In this study, we identify and characterize an apical localization element in the 3'UTR of the Drosophila wingless mRNA. We show that this element, referred to as WLE3, is both necessary and sufficient for apical RNA transport. Full, unrestricted activity, however, requires the presence of one of several downstream potentiating elements. Comparison of WLE3 sequences within the Drosophila genus, and their predicted secondary structures, defines a highly conserved stem-loop structure. Despite these high levels of sequence and predicted structure conservation, however, mutagenesis shows significant leeway for both sequence and structure variation in the predicted stem-loop. Importantly, the features that emerge as crucial include an accessible distal helix sequence motif, which is also found in the predicted structures of other apical localization elements.

Key words: wingless, RNA localization, RNA structure, Apical localization element, Stem-loop


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This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 J. Cell Sci.Home page
G. dos Santos, A. J. Simmonds, and H. M. Krause
A stem-loop structure in the wingless transcript defines a consensus motif for apical RNA transport
J. Cell Sci., January 1, 2008; 121(1): e107 - e107.
[Full Text]


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