FIGURE 1.

mRNAs accumulate in various cytoplasmic regions and localization patterns display distinct dependencies on protein synthesis. Schematic depicting cellular regions where mRNAs can localize. Insets detail associations with membrane‐bound organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum (a) and mitochondria (b); defined membrane‐less structures, such as centrosomes (c); or cytosolic regions, such as foci (d) or cell protrusions (e), which are not associated with a specific organelle or structure. While in all cases mRNAs are undergoing translation (indicated by the appearance of the encoded nascent polypeptide [solid black line]), targeting can be translation‐dependent or translation‐independent, as indicated. Protein factors involved in each localization mechanism are shown and discussed in the text