This Research Topic is the second volume of Research Topic "RNA Binding Proteins in Neuroscience". Please see the first volume here.

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are a group of multifunctional proteins that contain various types of RNA binding domains (RBDs), which dictate their RNA targets. RBPs regulate all aspects of gene expression, including alternative splicing, RNA transport, translation, and degradation. The precise molecular mechanisms that RBPs use to regulate gene expression in a spatiotemporal manner are not fully understood to date. RBPs assemble within dynamic ribonucleoprotein complexes containing RNA and often molecular motors. Recently, some have suggested that these RNP granules form via liquid-liquid phase separation, with post-translational modifications of specific RBPs regulating phase separation and the function of these granules.

Regulation of gene expression is essential for establishing and maintaining the structural and functional intricacies of the brain and neuronal system. Distinct transcriptomes in axons and dendrites depend on RBPs to control transport and local translation of mRNAs in neuronal homeostasis, development, response to synaptic plasticity, and long-term memory formation. Importantly, ribonucleoprotein complexes are dynamic, enabling cells to respond to rapid changes in the environment. Proteins such as fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), RNA granule protein 105 (RNG105), and cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1 (CPEB1) are only a few examples of RBPs in RNA granules found in dendrites. The importance of RBPs in neuronal development and function is emphasized by the multiple RBPs and widespread alterations in RNA processing that are involved in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

The areas that will be addressed in this research topic include, but are not limited to:

1. Systematic approaches to characterize neuronal RBPs.

2. Functional implications of aberrant neuronal RBPs on neuronal morphology, development, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative disorders.

3. Spatiotemporal localization of neuronal RBPs.

4. Cellular models used to study neuronal RBPs.

5. Local translation in neurons.

6. The effects that biophysical properties of phase-separated RBPs exert on their function.

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Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience

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