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Abstract
Although subcellular mRNA trafficking has been demonstrated as a mechanism to control
protein distribution, it is generally believed that most protein localization occurs
subsequent to translation. To address this point, we developed and employed a high-resolution
fluorescent in situ hybridization procedure to comprehensively evaluate mRNA localization
dynamics during early Drosophila embryogenesis. Surprisingly, of the 3370 genes analyzed,
71% of those expressed encode subcellularly localized mRNAs. Dozens of new and striking
localization patterns were observed, implying an equivalent variety of localization
mechanisms. Tight correlations between mRNA distribution and subsequent protein localization
and function, indicate major roles for mRNA localization in nucleating localized cellular
machineries. A searchable web resource documenting mRNA expression and localization
dynamics has been established and will serve as an invaluable tool for dissecting
localization mechanisms and for predicting gene functions and interactions.