RNA transport in oligodendrocytes from the taiep mutant rat

The results presented here identify a new RNA trafficking phenotype in taiep oligodendrocytes that increases the frequency of reversals and restricts the extent of transport of RNA containing the A2RE transport signal from MBP mRNA. The taiep rat is a myelin mutant characterized by excessive accumulation of microtubules in oligodendrocytes and myelin deficiency in the central nervous system. The taiep RNA trafficking is developmentally correlated with the microtubule accumulation in oligodendrocytes and can be partially suppressed by reducing microtubule density with nocodazole or inhibiting dynein activity by coinjecting anti-dynein antibodies. These results suggest that RNA trafficking in taiep oligodendrocytes is inhibited by enhanced dynein activity that neutralizes or lessens the normal overriding power of the plus-end directed motor kinesin. Altered orientation of microtubules in oligodendrocyte fine processes and a physical barrier created by densely packed microtubules may also contribute to the inhibition of RNA trafficking in taiep oligodendrocytes. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.