Asymmetric messenger RNA (mRNA) localization facilitates efficient translation in cells such as neurons and fibroblasts. However, the extent and importance of mRNA polarization in epithelial tissues are unclear. Here, we used single-molecule transcript imaging and subcellular transcriptomics to uncover global apical-basal intracellular polarization of mRNA in the mouse intestinal epithelium. The localization of mRNAs did not generally overlap protein localization. Instead, ribosomes were more abundant on the apical sides, and apical transcripts were consequently more efficiently translated. Refeeding of fasted mice elicited a basal-to-apical shift in polarization of mRNAs encoding ribosomal proteins, which was associated with a specific boost in their translation. This led to increased protein production, required for efficient nutrient absorption. These findings reveal a posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism involving dynamic polarization of mRNA and polarized translation.

中文翻译：

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全球mRNA极化调节肠道上皮的翻译效率

不对称信使RNA（mRNA）定位有助于在细胞（如神经元和成纤维细胞）中进行有效翻译。然而，尚不清楚上皮组织中mRNA极化的程度和重要性。在这里，我们使用单分子转录成像和亚细胞转录组学来揭示小鼠肠上皮中mRNA的整体顶基-基础细胞内极化。mRNA的定位通常不与蛋白质定位重叠。取而代之的是，核糖体在根尖的一侧更丰富，因此根尖的笔录也得到了更有效的翻译。禁食小鼠的再喂养引发了编码核糖体蛋白的mRNA的极化的基础到顶端的转变，这与其翻译的特异性增强有关。这导致有效养分吸收所需的蛋白质产量增加。