Identification of embryonic RNA granules that act as sites of mRNA translation after changing their physical properties

Abstract

SummaryFertilized eggs begin to translate mRNAs at appropriate times and placements to control development, but how the translation is regulated remains unclear. Here, we found that pou5f3 mRNA encoding a transcriptional factor essential for development formed granules in a dormant state in zebrafish oocytes. Although the number of pou5f3 granules remained constant, Pou5f3 protein accumulated after fertilization. Intriguingly, signals of newly synthesized peptides and a ribosomal protein became colocalized with pou5f3 granules after fertilization and, moreover, nascent Pou5f3 was shown to be synthesized in the granules. This functional change was accompanied by changes in the state and internal structure of granules. Dissolution of the granules reduced the rate of protein synthesis. Similarly, nanog and sox19b mRNAs in zebrafish and Pou5f1/Oct4 mRNA in mouse assembled into granules. Our results reveal that subcellular compartments, termed embryonic RNA granules, function as activation sites of translation after changing physical properties for directing vertebrate development.