Selective cytoplasmic organelle and protein targeting has long been thought to constitute the sole determinant of cell polarity and complexity. This view has been changed, however, by the discovery of differential subcellular RNA distribution patterns. Over the past decade it has become clear that selective mRNA sorting and translation contributes to an accumulation of cognate proteins at discrete cellular sites. In this book, various systems are discussed (e.g. Xenopus oocytes, mammalian brain, invertebrate nervous system) in terms of RNA trafficking, RNA-targeting sequences (cis-elements) and RNA-transporting proteins (trans-factors), activity-dependent translational regulation and the significance of the cytoskeleton for neuronal function and plasticity. It also discusses nucleocytoplasmic export of mRNA and viral RNA as another example of subcellular RNA kinesis.

Localization of mRNAs at Synaptic Sites on Dendrites

1 Introduction
2 The Machinery for Translation in Dendrites
3 Types of Proteins That Are Synthesized at SPRCs
4 Activity-Dependent Regulation of mRNA Trafficking in Dendrites
5 Signals That Mediate mRNA Routing and Localization
6 Conclusion
References
Long-Lasting Hippocampal Plasticity: Cellular Model for Memory Consolidation?
1 Introduction
2 How?
3 Where?
4 When?
5 Conclusion
References
Neuronal RNA Localization and the Cytoskeleton
1 Localization of Cytoskeletal Proteins to Neuronal Processes and Growth Cones
2 Regulation of Neuronal mRNA Localization
3 Mechanism of mRNA Localization
4 mRNA May Be Transported as Particles or Granules
5 Future Directions
References
Transcription Factors in Dendrites: Dendritic Imprinting of the Cellular Nucleus
1 Introduction
2 CREB mRNA Is Localized to Neuronal Dendrites
3 CREB Protein Is Present in Dendrites
4 CREB Protein Moves from the Dendrite to the Cell Nucleus
5 Potential Importance of Dendritic CREB in Modulating
Neuronal Functioning
6 Biological Impetus tor Dendritic Imprinting
References
RNA Trafficking in Oligodendrocytes
1 Introduction
2 A2RE Is a cis-Acting RNA Trafficking Determinant
3 hnRNP A2 Is a trans-Acting RNA Trafficking Factor
4 A2RE/hnRNP A2-Mediated Nuclear Export
5 A2RE/hnRNP A2-Mediated Granule Assembly
6 A Dual Motor Mechanism for RNA Trafficking on Microtubules
7 RNA Trafficking in the Virtual Cell
8 The Taxol Paradox
9 Negotiating Branch Points
10 Translation Regulation
11 Summary
References
Extrasomatic Targeting of MAP2, Vasopressin and Oxytocin mRNA in Mammalian Neurons
1 Introduction
2 Microtubule-Associated Protein 2
3 Axonal and Dendritic Targeting of VPand OT mRNAs
4 Final Conclusions and Perspectives
References
RNA Transport and Local Protein Synthesis in the Dendritic Compartment
1 Introduction
2 Differential Subcellular RNA Localization in Neurons
3 RNA Transport
4 Synapse and Local Protein Synthesis Machinery
5 Activity-Dependent mRNA Transport and Protein Synthesis
6 Conclusions and Perspectives
References
Neuronal BC1 RNA: Intracellular Transport and Activity-Dependent Modulation
1 Evolutionary Relationships
2 Intracellular Transport
3 Activity-Dependent Regulation
4 Outlook
References
Nucleocytoplasmic mRNA Transport
1 Introduction
2 The Export Machinery
4 Conclusions
References
RNA Localization in Xenopus Oocytes
1 Introduction
2 The Early Localization Pathway
3 The Late Pathway
4 The Animal Localization Pathway
5 Concluding Remarks
References
Local Protein Synthesis in Invertebrate Axons: From Dogma to Dilemma
1 Introduction
2 mRNA in Axons
3 Translocation of mRNA
4 Origin of RNA
5 Protein Synthesis in Axons
6 The Identity of Protein Synthetic Machinery in Axons
7 Which Proteins Are Synthesized in Axons?
8 Functions of Local Protein Synthesis
9 Discussion
References
Nucleocytoplasmic RNA Transport in Retroviral Replication
1 Introduction
2 Retroviral Replication
3 RNA Export in Simple versus Complex Retroviruses
4 Regulation of HIV-1 Gene Expression: An Overview
5 CTE: The Constitutive RNA Transport Elements of D-Type Retroviruses
6 Summary and Conclusions
References.