Agrin induces association of Chrna1 mRNA and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in C2C12 myotubes

FEBS Lett. 2012 Sep 21;586(19):3111-6. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.07.068. Epub 2012 Aug 2.

Abstract

In the mammalian central nervous system transcripts of certain synaptic components are localized near the synapse, allowing for rapid regulation of protein levels. Here we test whether an mRNA localization mechanism also exists in the postsynaptic specialization induced by agrin in C2C12 myotubes. RT-PCR showed that Chrna1 was co-purified with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) isolated by affinity column or by ultracentrifugation. In addition, Stau1 was found to interact with Chrna1 mRNA, and knocking down of Stau1 by RNAi resulted in defective AChR clustering. These results suggest that mRNA localization also participates in the formation of mammalian neuromuscular junction (NMJ).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agrin / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Mice
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / genetics*
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / metabolism*
  • Synapses / metabolism

Substances

  • Agrin
  • CHRNA1 protein, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • Stau1 protein, mouse