Hellen Jumo
Understanding the Role of the RNA- Binding Protein STAU2 in Brain Development and Function
STAU2, an RNA binding protein (RBP) enriched in the brain, is known to have roles in RNA localization, transport, stability and translation. Previous studies have shown that loss of the protein in the brain disrupts the maturation of stem cells to neurons. In this study, mouse models and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons(iPSC) were used to study the role of Stau2 in neuronal development. The results indicate successful removal of Stau2 from the mouse genome, robust expression of Stau2 in mouse brain and iPSC-derived neurons, and deletion or reduction of the gene leads to changes in neuronal numbers and types.