An SNRNP70-eGFP knock-in zebrafish line reveals the physiological localisation and dynamics of endogenous SNRNP70 during development
SNRNP70 is a core spliceosome RNA-binding protein best known for its essential role in nuclear pre-mRNA splicing. Although traditionally associated with nuclear RNA processing, previous studies have identified important extranuclear functions for SNRNP70 in neurons, including roles in mRNA stability, localisation, and axonal transport. Yet, much of our understanding of SNRNP70 localisation has…
A groundbreaking study unveils the dynamic localisation and behavior of SNRNP70, a critical RNA-binding protein, within the nervous system of living zebrafish embryos. This research, led by a team of scientists, introduces a novel zebrafish line where SNRNP70 is genetically fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) at its C-terminus, while preserving the native untranslated region.
This innovative approach allows researchers to directly observe the protein's expression and distribution without the confounding effects of overexpression.
The results show that SNRNP70 is widely present throughout the developing nervous system, with a notable concentration in both axonal and synaptic regions. Perhaps most intriguing, live imaging reveals that SNRNP70 is not static but rather actively moves within neuronal mRNP (message ribonucleoprotein) granules. This finding provides compelling evidence of the protein's physiological role in these structures, which have previously been associated with mRNA processing and transport.
The study also identifies interactions between SNRNP70 and other key components of neuronal mRNP granules, such as PABPC1B, FUS, and UPF1, through proximity ligation analyses.
The establishment of this SNRNP70-eGFP knock-in model represents a significant advancement in the field, providing a robust genetic and imaging tool for investigating the protein's role under physiological conditions. By overcoming the limitations of traditional transgenic and overexpression methods, this work opens new avenues for understanding the spatial organization of RNA-binding proteins in living neurons and their impact on neuronal mRNA fate.
This breakthrough not only enhances our comprehension of SNRNP70's function but also sets the stage for further exploration of similar proteins and their roles in neurodevelopment and disease.
Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
