Journey from the Center of the Cell - the intra- and intercellular transport of mRNA

Transport and localized translation of mRNA is crucial for the proper spatiotemporal organization of proteins within cells. Distribution of RNAs to subcellular domains  has recently emerged as a major mechanism for establishing functionally distinct compartments and structures in the cells. There is an emerging evidence that active transport of mRNA involves cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking pathways both in fungi, plants and animals, suggesting that it is a common phenomenon among eukaryotes. Important highlights are that RNA-binding proteins recognize cargo mRNA and that RNPs are actively transported on  cytoskeletal tracks or co-transported with membranous compartments such as the endoplasmic reticulum and endosomes.  The interest of scientists has expanded over the past years in response to the discoveries that RNA can be exported from cells to play the role in intercellular communication. In this review, we will focus on the characterization RNA transport within cell and between cells and on currently proposed mechanisms for RNA targeting.