# Localized mRNA translation on the spindle -an essential mechanism for embryonic cell regulation

> **NIH NIH R01** · BROWN UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $341,250

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Localization of mRNAs to specific cells of an embryo, or to sub-cellular regions in the cell, enables
spatially controlled protein production. Distinct concentrations of proteins lead to differential cell fate
determination, body patterning, and cell function during development in many animals. Especially, this
mechanism of localized translation appears essential in embryonic cells that are large and that undergo
rapid cell divisions, requiring immediate input of specific protein without relying on diffusion kinetics from
translation elsewhere in the cell. Indeed, the mitotic spindle is a sub-cellular region where localization of
mRNAs has been reported in eggs/ embryos of various organisms. The mechanism or process of
localized translation on the spindle has been, however, little identified. The proposed research focuses
on a conserved DEAD-box RNA helicase Vasa that is localized on the spindle of every blastomere during
embryogenesis. We previously identified Vasa functions in general translational regulation and its
dysfunction results in ~80% reduction of protein synthesis and mitotic defects in the sea urchin embryo.
We, therefore, hypothesize in these embryonic cells, Vasa contributes to the process of localized mRNA
translation on the spindle. To test our hypothesis, using sea urchin embryos that show constant and
robust Vasa expression on the spindle of every blastomere, we will visualize in vivo and in real time
localized translation and validate how each mRNA/protein is differentially regulated at each sub-cellular
region during embryogenesis. We will then identify sub-cellular function of Vasa by manipulating its
localization in the cell using advanced imaging techniques such as optogenetics and Chromophore-
Assisted Light Inactivation (CALI). A biological event of localized mRNA translation as well as a DEAD-
box RNA-helicase Vasa is highly conserved among various organisms and cells. The outcomes of this
project will be thus useful to all researchers, especially those who study how sub-cellular level of mRNA
and protein regulation impacts cellular regulation and development in any cells and organisms.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9823779
- **Project number:** 5R01GM126043-03
- **Recipient organization:** BROWN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Mamiko Yajima
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $341,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-12-26 → 2022-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9823779

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9823779, Localized mRNA translation on the spindle -an essential mechanism for embryonic cell regulation (5R01GM126043-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9823779. Licensed CC0.

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