Mark Mcclintock

Abstract Localization of mRNAs is a widespread mechanism for dictating where proteins operate in cells and underpins many fundamental processes, from embryonic patterning to synaptic plasticity. This spatial control is mediated by the interaction of ‘localization signals’ in target mRNAs with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). These signals frequently lack overt sequence or structural patterns, raising the question of how specificity is achieved.