Abstract
Local translation allows a spatial control of gene expression. Here, I participated in two mRNA localization screens imaging more than 1000 transcripts in total: (i) the first was a dual mRNA/protein screen that used a BAComics approach to co-detect mRNAs and the protein they encode; (ii) the second was done using a new high-throughput smFISH approach to screen all genes that encode centrosomal proteins and mitotic regulators. The first screen revealed cases of local translation at various subcellular compartments including cytoplasmic protrusions, centrosomes, Golgi, endosomes and the nuclear pore, which was never described before. Remarkably, translation of the nascent peptide was required for the transport of many localized transcripts. In addition, I showed that several mRNAs (such as ASPM and DYNC1H1) are translated in dedicated structures called translation factories.The second screen revealed 8 transcripts that are localized and translated at the centrosome. I showed that the localization of these 8 transcripts is regulated by the cell cycle, and that it also requires translation of the nascent polypeptide. Using the endogenous ASPM gene as a model, I imaged single mRNAs and polysomes with the MS2 and SunTag systems, respectively. This revealed a directed transport of ASPM polysomes towards centrosomes at the onset of mitosis, when this mRNA starts localizing. These data provide definitive evidence for a co-translational targeting mechanism dependent on motors as well as the nascent protein. This argues against the current dogma that mRNA transport is an RNA-based process acting on translationally repressed molecules. Instead, it suggests that SRP-like mechanisms are more widespread than previously thought.