Publication: The fragile X mental retardation protein is a molecular adapter between the neurospecific KIF3C kinesin and dendritic RNA granules.

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Fragile X mental retardation 1 protein (FMRP) is an RNA-binding protein whose absence results in the fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited form of mental retardation. FMRP contains multiple domains with apparently differential affinity to mRNA and also interacts with protein partners present in ribonucleoprotein complexes called RNA granules. In neurons, these particles travel along dendrites and axons to translocate mRNAs to specific destinations in spines and growth cones, where local synthesis of neuro-specific proteins is taking place. However, the molecular mechanisms of how RNA granules are translocated to dendrites remained unknown. We report here the identification and characterization of the motor protein KIF3C as a novel FMRP-interacting protein. In addition, using time-lapse videomicroscopy, we studied the dynamics and kinetics of FMRP-containing RNA granules in dendrites and show that a dominant-negative KIF3C impedes their distal transport. We therefore propose that, in addition to modulating the translation of its mRNA targets, FMRP also acts as a molecular adapter between RNA granules and the neurospecific kinesin KIF3C that powers their transport along neuronal microtubules.