FIGURE 2.

Localization of mRNAs and RBPs in axons and growth cones during axon growth, guidance and branching. mRNAs localized to developing axons encode many functional classes of proteins, including cell adhesion molecules, guidance receptors, cytoskeletal components, and members of signaling cascades. The local translation complex of β-actin mRNA, ZBP1, ribosomes and mitochondria is involved in axon branching. BDNF and netrin-1 induced local translation of β-actin mRNA is also involved in axon guidance. Four major classes of mRNAs that are locally translated in growth cones are cell adhesion molecules, transcription factors, translational machinery and cytoskeletal- and membrane-associated proteins. The local translation of these proteins is a tightly regulated process that is critical for the formation of appropriate neural networks.