The subcellular localization of specific mRNAs is a widespread mechanism for regulating gene expression [1]. In Xenopus oocytes microtubules are required for localization of Vg1 mRNA to the vegetal cortex during the late RNA localization pathway [2-4]. The factors that mediate microtubule-based RNA transport during the late pathway have been elusive. Here we show that heterotrimeric kinesin II becomes enriched at the vegetal cortex of stage III/ IV Xenopus oocytes concomitant with the localization of endogenous Vg1 mRNA. In addition, expression of a dominant negative mutant peptide fragment or injection of a function-blocking antibody, both of which impair the function of heterotrimeric kinesin II, block localization of Vg1 mRNA. We also show that exogenous Vg1 RNA or Xcat-2, another RNA that can use the late pathway, recruits endogenous kinesin II to the vegetal pole and colocalizes with it at the cortex. These data support a model in which kinesin II mediates the transport of specific RNA complexes destined for the vegetal cortex.
CITATION STYLE
Betley, J. N., Heinrich, B., Vernos, I., Sardet, C., Prodon, F., & Deshler, J. O. (2004). Kinesin II Mediates Vg1 mRNA Transport in Xenopus Oocytes. Current Biology, 14(3), 219–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-9822(04)00041-7
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