Optogenetic control of mRNA localization and translation in live cells

Despite efforts to visualize the spatio–temporal dynamics of single messenger RNAs, the ability to precisely control their function has lagged. This study presents an optogenetic approach for manipulating the localization and translation of specific mRNAs by trapping them in clusters. This clustering greatly amplified reporter signals, enabling endogenous RNA–protein interactions to be clearly visualized in single cells. Functionally, this sequestration reduced the ability of mRNAs to access ribosomes, markedly attenuating protein synthesis. A spatio–temporally resolved analysis indicated that sequestration of endogenous β-actin mRNA attenuated cell motility through the regulation of focal-adhesion dynamics. These results suggest a mechanism highlighting the indispensable role of newly synthesized β-actin protein for efficient cell migration. This platform may be broadly applicable for use in investigating the spatio–temporal activities of specific mRNAs in various biological processes. Kim et al. develop an optogenetic visualization approach that can rapidly and reversibly trap messenger RNA molecules in protein clusters, thereby restricting their access to ribosomes and dampening translation efficiency.