Ribosomes in neurons are different.

What is it about?

Ribosomes are cellular machines that translate the genetic code to make proteins. In neurons, this process requires special regulation to ensure that proteins are made at the synapse, a critical connecting point between neurons. In this paper we show that neuronal ribosomes have essential differences from ribosomes in other cells. In neurons, the ribosomes possess a unique “pause” button that allows them to stop production of proteins temporarily, during transport of this machinery to the synapse, and then restart production at the synapse when the proteins are needed. Our study shows that this pause button is distinct to neuronal ribosomes. Although the molecular mechanism that underlies the pause button remains unknown, elucidating these mechanisms will lead to critical advances in our understanding of protein synthesis in neurons. Understanding these processes has important ramifications for our understanding of brain function and pathology, particularly during neurodevelopment, when dysfunction of this neuronal-specific machinery may be implicated in certain neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Why is it important?

Understanding how neuronal ribosomes are different has important ramifications for our understanding of brain function and pathology, particularly during neurodevelopment, when dysfunction of this neuronal-specific machinery may be implicated in certain neurodevelopmental disorders.

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