Trovisco, V., Belaya, K., Nashchekin, D., Irion, U., Sirinakis, G., Butler, R., Lee, J.J., Gavis, E.R., St Johnston, D. (2016). bicoid mRNA localises to the Drosophila oocyte anterior by random Dynein-mediated transport and anchoring.  eLife 5(): e17537.

FBrf0234080

Research paper

bicoid mRNA localises to the Drosophila oocyte anterior from stage 9 of oogenesis onwards to provide a local source for Bicoid protein for embryonic patterning. Live imaging at stage 9 reveals that bicoid mRNA particles undergo rapid Dynein-dependent movements near the oocyte anterior, but with no directional bias. Furthermore, bicoid mRNA localises normally in shot(2A2), which abolishes the polarised microtubule organisation. FRAP and photo-conversion experiments demonstrate that the RNA is stably anchored at the anterior, independently of microtubules. Thus, bicoid mRNA is localised by random active transport and anterior anchoring. Super-resolution imaging reveals that bicoid mRNA forms 110-120 nm particles with variable RNA content, but constant size. These particles appear to be well-defined structures that package the RNA for transport and anchoring.

PMC5125753 (PMC) (EuropePMC)