Peripherin particles often contain multiple mRNAs (number indicated by colors at left).
Dimers of IFs, such as the neuronal protein peripherin, form into higher-order assemblies. Before they form filaments, insoluble aggregates of dimers or larger nonfilamentous structures can be visualized as cytoplasmic particles. The new results show that many of these particles are associated with peripherin mRNA.
The authors directly visualized peripherin mRNA and protein product simultaneously in living cells. The peripherin mRNA and protein particles seemed to move independently along microtubules. Stationary mRNAs, however, were also seen associated with protein particles, suggesting that only immobile mRNAs are translating. Once translation finished, the...
