What Are the Consequences of Defective RNA Transport?
Defects in RNA transport can lead to various diseases and cellular dysfunctions:
- Neurological Disorders: Mutations in RNA transport proteins have been linked to neurological disorders such as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and spinal muscular atrophy. These disorders are characterized by the loss of motor neurons and muscle weakness.
- Cancer: Aberrant RNA transport can contribute to cancer development. For example, mislocalization of mRNA can lead to the production of oncogenic proteins, promoting uncontrolled cell division and tumor growth.
