Information relay from gene to protein: the mRNP connection

Eukaryotic messenger RNAs and their binding proteins are organized into structural units called ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs). Some mRNP proteins are ubiquitous, and might bind all mRNAs to ensure efficient translation. Other mRNA proteins, however, are cell-specific and bind only certain mRNAs that display regulated translation. This is particularly evident in early development, where some mRNP particles can be sequestered from the translational apparatus for months before they enter polysomes. Recent investigations suggest that these and other mRNP proteins bind specific sequences and regulate translation.