Analysis of temporal and spatial control of mRNA translation that is mediated by subcellular structures and novel RNA processing

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H02398
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 43010:Molecular biology-related
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Kotani Tomoya 北海道大学, 理学研究院, 准教授 (70419852)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 山本 雄広 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 講師 (50383774)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 卵母細胞 / mRNA / 翻訳制御 / 細胞内微細構造 / RNAプロセシング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Oocytes of many animals accumulate thousands of mRNAs that are translationally repressed to direct embryonic development. This study aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms that regulate the translation of these dormant mRNAs during oogenesis and embryogenesis. In this study, we identified a previously unknown RNA processing that shortens the 3’ end sequences of mRNAs. We then demonstrated that this RNA processing promotes the translational activation of dormant mRNAs. We also found that the dormant mRNAs form granular structures during oogenesis and embryogenesis. The changes in internal structures and states of these RNA granules control the translation of assembled mRNAs. Our results revealed that the developmental processes after fertilization are directed by the previously unknown mechanisms.

Free Research Field

分子発生生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

翻訳による遺伝子機能制御は、生物のあらゆる組織・器官において重要な役割を持つと考えられるが、その研究は容易ではない。本研究における成果は、動物の卵が受精し、発生プロセスを進行させるために重要な翻訳制御機構の一端を解明したもので、個体形成の根源的な仕組みに迫るものと言える。その成果は基礎生物学的な研究に資するのみでなく、不妊の原因解明や生殖医療の発展、家畜動物の出産率向上など多くの分野に貢献することが期待される。