Regulation of neuron-specific RNA sequences

Hilgers Lab

Although a typical Drosophila 3’ UTR measures a few hundred base pairs, neuron-specific 3’ UTRs can be up to 17kb long. This extreme addition of sequence creates substantial potential for post-transcriptional regulation. We think that this extra layer of regulation is necessary for the mRNA to achieve a neuron-specific function.

Schematic of post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs in neurons. RNAs are often packaged within neuronal granules, which execute specific functions such as long-range transport. — **Schematic of post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs in neurons.** RNAs are often packaged within neuronal granules, which execute specific functions such as long-range transport.

© Valérie Hilgers

**Schematic of post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs in neurons.** RNAs are often packaged within neuronal granules, which execute specific functions such as long-range transport.

© Valérie Hilgers

The role of RNA-binding proteins and RNA granules in neurological pathologies, in particular neurodegeneration, has been well described. Ultra-long 3’ UTRs, through their unusually high number of target sites for RNA-binding proteins, could represent a platform for regulated mRNA transport and translation, and may build a scaffold for mRNA granule assembly.

Confocal microscopy image of granules in neurons of a Drosophila brain. A granule marker protein and a neuron-specific RNA are made visible by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, respectively. — **Confocal microscopy image of granules in neurons of a Drosophila brain.** A granule marker protein and a neuron-specific RNA are made visible by immunohistochemistry and *in situ* hybridization, respectively.

© Valérie Hilgers

**Confocal microscopy image of granules in neurons of a Drosophila brain.** A granule marker protein and a neuron-specific RNA are made visible by immunohistochemistry and *in situ* hybridization, respectively.

© Valérie Hilgers

Applying imaging, neuron biochemistry, whole-genome analyses and functional genetics, we study how neuronal RNAs, in particular ultra-long 3’UTRs, are specifically regulated by RNA-binding proteins.