Regulation of mRNA expression at the ER

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major sub-compartment in animal cells. A large portion of a cells proteins is synthesized at the surface of the ER, either for use by the cell itself or for secretion out of the cell. The mRNA molecules coding for these proteins are often anchored at the ER. The recruitment, abundance, processing, and degradation of these ER-anchored mRNAs are important variables that determine the amount of protein produced from them. This ESPRIT funded project sets out to investigate a newly discovered protein complex that may process and remove mRNAs at the ER surface. This protein complex consists of several major mRNA regulatory proteins as well as key uncharacterised proteins. Crucially these components are present in all animals. Current data indicates that the protein complex is mainly active in neurons. The project aims to determine how the protein complex chooses its target mRNAs, how it affects them, and the consequences this has on the proteins coded by these mRNAs. The outcomes of this project will give insight into a new mode of mRNA/protein regulation, which is likely to be of particular relevance to neuronal cells and their general well-being.