Gene expression is a combination of many processes, including transcription, pre-mRNA processing, nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNA, translation, mRNA decay, and protein modification and decay. Many changes in the programs of gene expression occur during development, differentiation, and aging. These alterations are reflected at both the mRNA and protein levels. While altered gene expression at the levels of transcription and protein turnover has been appreciated for some time, mRNA decay is now emerging as an important control point and a major contributor to gene expression as well. Continuing identification of the protein factors and cofactors, and mRNA instability elements, responsible for mRNA decay are allowing us to build a comprehensive picture of the highly orchestrated processes involved in mRNA decay and its regulation. Here, I survey mRNA decay processes in eukaryotes and describe some molecular mechanisms that alter the decay rates of specific mRNAs, leading to major changes in gene expression during development and aging.

中文翻译：

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Messenger RNA在衰老和发育过程中会衰变。

基因表达是许多过程的结合，包括转录，mRNA预处理，mRNA的核质运输，翻译，mRNA衰变以及蛋白质修饰和衰变。基因表达程序的许多变化发生在发育，分化和衰老过程中。这些改变反映在mRNA和蛋白质水平上。尽管人们已经认识到在转录和蛋白质更新水平上基因表达的改变，但mRNA衰变现在正成为重要的控制点和基因表达的主要贡献者。不断鉴定造成mRNA衰变的蛋白质因子和辅助因子以及mRNA不稳定性元素，使我们能够全面了解涉及mRNA衰变及其调控的高度协调的过程。这里，