Messenger RNA (mRNA) localization allows spatiotemporal regulation of the proteome at the subcellular level. This is observed in the axons of neurons, where mRNA localization is involved in regulating neuronal development and function by orchestrating rapid adaptive responses to extracellular cues and the maintenance of axonal homeostasis through local translation. Here, we provide an overview of the key findings that have broadened our knowledge regarding how specific mRNAs are trafficked and localize to axons. In particular, we review transcriptomic studies investigating mRNA content in axons and the molecular principles underpinning how these mRNAs arrived there, including cis-acting mRNA sequences and trans-acting proteins playing a role. Further, we discuss evidence that links defective axonal mRNA localization and pathological outcomes.

信使 RNA (mRNA) 定位允许在亚细胞水平上对蛋白质组进行时空调节。这是在神经元轴突中观察到的，其中 mRNA 定位通过协调对细胞外信号的快速适应性反应以及通过局部翻译维持轴突稳态来参与调节神经元发育和功能。在这里，我们概述了一些关键发现，这些发现拓宽了我们关于特定 mRNA 如何运输和定位到轴突的知识。特别是，我们回顾了转录组学研究，研究了轴突中 mRNA 的含量以及支持这些 mRNA 如何到达那里的分子原理，包括发挥作用的顺式作用 mRNA 序列和反式作用蛋白。此外，我们讨论了轴突 mRNA 定位缺陷与病理结果之间存在联系的证据。