The PCM scaffold enables RNA localization to centrosomes

• Published in: Molecular biology of the cell Vol. 36; no. 6; p. ar75
• Main Authors: Fang, Junnan, Tian, Weiyi, Quintanilla, Melissa A., Beach, Jordan R., Lerit, Dorothy A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2025
• Subjects: Antigens - genetics; Antigens - metabolism; Centrosome - metabolism; HeLa Cells; Humans; Microtubule-Organizing Center - metabolism; RNA Transport; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Spindle Apparatus - metabolism
• ISSN: 1059-1524; 1939-4586; 1939-4586
• DOI: 10.1091/mbc.E25-03-0117

As microtubule-organizing centers, centrosomes direct assembly of the bipolar mitotic spindle required for chromosome segregation and genome stability. Centrosome activity requires the dynamic assembly of pericentriolar material (PCM), the composition and organization of which changes throughout the cell cycle. Recent studies highlight the conserved localization of several mRNAs encoded from centrosome-associated genes enriched at centrosomes, including Pericentrin-like protein ( Plp) mRNA. However, relatively little is known about how RNAs localize to centrosomes and influence centrosome function. Here, we examine mechanisms underlying the subcellular localization of Plp mRNA. We find that Plp mRNA localization is puromycin-sensitive, and the Plp-coding sequence (CDS) is both necessary and sufficient for RNA localization, consistent with a cotranslational transport mechanism. We identify regions within the Plp CDS that regulate Plp mRNA localization. Finally, we show that protein–protein interactions critical for elaboration of the PCM scaffold permit RNA localization to centrosomes. Taken together, these findings inform the mechanistic basis of Plp mRNA localization and lend insight into the oscillatory enrichment of RNA at centrosomes. Recent work indicates that several mRNAs encoding PCM proteins localize to centrosomes cotranslationally; yet, little is known about precisely how RNAs are targeted to the centrosome or how their enrichments are entrained to the cell cycle. This study defines regions within the Plp-coding sequence necessary for Plp mRNA localization to centrosomes and identifies requirements for translation, microtubules, and an intact PCM scaffold. Protein–protein interactions direct the localization and inform the timing of RNA accumulation at centrosomes, which may have implications for centrosome activity.