Localization, anchoring and translational control of oskar, gurken, bicoid and nanos mRNA during Drosophila oogenesis

• Published in: Fly (Austin, Tex.) Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 15 - 28
• Main Authors: Kugler, Jan-Michael, Lasko, Paul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 01.01.2009
• Subjects: Animals; Binding; Biological Transport, Active; Biology; Bioscience; Calcium; Cancer; Cell; Cell Polarity; Cycle; Drosophila - genetics; Drosophila - growth & development; Drosophila - metabolism; Drosophila Proteins - biosynthesis; Drosophila Proteins - genetics; Female; Genes, Insect; Homeodomain Proteins - biosynthesis; Homeodomain Proteins - genetics; Landes; Microtubules - metabolism; Models, Biological; Oogenesis - genetics; Organogenesis; Protein Biosynthesis; Proteins; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; RNA-Binding Proteins - biosynthesis; RNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; Trans-Activators - biosynthesis; Trans-Activators - genetics; Transforming Growth Factor alpha - biosynthesis; Transforming Growth Factor alpha - genetics
• ISSN: 1933-6934; 1933-6942
• DOI: 10.4161/fly.3.1.7751

mRNA localization, and translation that is regulated spatially and temporally, are key mechanisms in the execution of polarized developmental programs. For over two decades, the Drosophila oocyte has served as a valuable model to study these mechanisms. Genetic and biochemical studies in flies have greatly contributed to the identification and understanding of factors that govern RNA localization and translational control. Embryonic axis formation is mediated through the subcellular localization and precise translational regulation of four key determinant mRNAs during oogenesis encoded by oskar, bicoid, gurken and nanos. In this review we aim to summarize recent insights into the mechanisms governing the asymmetric distribution and translation of these mRNAs.