Genome wide analysis of RNA species present in SMN-containing RNPs

Several studies indicate that SMN-containing mRNP complexes could be involved in the axonal localization of a large number of mRNAs. We have used murine motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells and RNA Immuno-Precipitation experiments coupled to microarray analyses to perform a genome-wide analysis of RNA species present in mRNP complexes containing the full length SMN protein (flSMN). In situ hybridization and immuno-fluorescence experiments performed on several candidates indicate that these mRNAs colocalize with the SMN protein in neurites and axons of differentiated NSC-34 cells. Moreover, they localize in cell processes in a SMN-dependent manner. Thus, low SMN levels might result in localization deficiencies of mRNAs required for axonogenesis. RNA species coimmunoprecipitated with the SMN protein were used for hybridization of Affymetrix microarrays