Xenbase Image ID: 149156

Figure 1 Conserved Mechanisms for mRNA Localization in Oocytes Microtubules are oriented in both directions in oocytes from the fruit fly Drosophila (upper left) and the frog Xenopus (upper right). Dual polarity of microtubules is a feature of neuronal dendrites as well. In such cases, granules containing mRNAs (turquoise) can move in either direction, but the predominant orientation of the microtubules determines the overall directional bias (see expanded view). In cases where the microtubule orientation that promotes the eventual mRNA localization is in the minority, an anchoring mechanism must remove mRNAs from the mobile pool. Several kinesins are responsible for this plus-end-directed movement (shown in pink and gold). It is likely that this anchoring mechanism (indicated by anchor icon) includes cortical actin (shown as filaments) and may also include Tropomyosin and Staufen. Translation then occurs after anchoring (ribosomes indicated). Image published in: Singer RH (2008) Copyright © 2008. Image reproduced with permission of the Publisher, Elsevier B. V. Larger Image Printer Friendly View

Return to previous page