In this model, we illustrate mechanisms controlling local mRNA transport and translation in developing axons and dendrites. mRNA transport (at right): Microtubule motor proteins, adaptors, and RNA binding proteins mediate mRNA transport, while suppressing mRNA translation. 1) At the growth cone, cues signal through surface receptors to directly activate the translation machinery. 2) A secreted molecule from the post-synaptic cell can activate pre-synaptic translation by regulating mRNA binding proteins. 3) Localized mRNAs are regulated by multiple mechanisms, such as two different RNA binding proteins. Receptor-mediated signaling can lead to post-translational modification of RNA binding proteins and de-repression. 4) miRNAs and RISC suppress translation within dendrites, and post-synaptic receptor signaling can alleviate miRNA-mediated silencing and promote local mRNA translation. Locally synthesized proteins include several classes of molecules with local and distal functions.