Local translation of cell adhesion molecules in axons.

Abstract

During development and regeneration, axonal growth depends on a rapid response to extracellular growth and guidance molecules. One mechanism underlying this rapid response is local protein synthesis (Jung et al., 2012). Local protein synthesis is a highly tuned, multi-step process by which mRNA binding proteins bind to specific sequences within the untranslated regions of particular mRNAs in the soma; mRNAs are then transported to axons and growth cones and translated at the appropriate spatial location in response to specific guidance cues. Many studies have now demonstrated that stimulus-induced local translation is critical to appropriate axon growth, guidance and regeneration. Multiple types of proteins are locally translated within axons, including those regulating the cytoskeleton, retrograde signaling, regeneration and cellular survival.