The multifunctional Staufen proteins: conserved roles from neurogenesis to synaptic plasticity

Trends Neurosci. 2014 Sep;37(9):470-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2014.05.009. Epub 2014 Jul 7.

Abstract

Staufen (Stau) proteins belong to a family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that are important for RNA localisation in many organisms. In this review we discuss recent findings on the conserved role played by Stau during both the early differentiation of neurons and in the synaptic plasticity of mature neurons. Recent molecular data suggest mechanisms for how Stau2 regulates mRNA localisation, mRNA stability, translation, and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assembly. We offer a perspective on how this multifunctional RBP has been adopted to regulate mRNA localisation under several different cellular and developmental conditions.

Keywords: RNA localisation; RNP; Staufen; learning and memory; mRNA stability; neurogenesis; synaptic plasticity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / embryology
  • Brain / physiology
  • Humans
  • Memory / physiology
  • Neurogenesis / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • RNA Transport / physiology
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA-Binding Proteins