Cited by 126RNA Research and SplicingGenetics and Neurodevelopmental DisordersNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 220 of the 221 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 104 of the 241 sources its claims cite were checked for support.

Emerging complexity of the HuD/ELAVl4 gene; implications for neuronal development, function, and dysfunction

Open access

Abstract

Precise control of messenger RNA (mRNA) processing and abundance are increasingly being recognized as critical for proper spatiotemporal gene expression, particularly in neurons. These regulatory events are governed by a large number of trans-acting factors found in neurons, most notably RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and micro-RNAs (miRs), which bind to specific cis-acting elements or structures within mRNAs. Through this binding mechanism,trans-acting factors, particularly RBPs, control all aspects of mRNA metabolism, ranging from altering the transcription rate to mediating mRNA degradation. In this context the best-characterized neuronal RBP, the Hu/ELAVl family member HuD, is emerging as a key component in multiple regulatory processes—including pre-mRNA processing, mRNA stability, and translation—governing the fate of a substantial amount of neuronal mRNAs. Through its ability to regulate mRNA metabolism of diverse groups of functionally similar genes, HuD plays important roles in neuronal development and function. Furthermore, compelling evidence indicates supplementary roles for HuD in neuronal plasticity, in particular, recovery from axonal injury, learning and memory, and multiple neurological diseases. The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed overview of the current knowledge surrounding the expression and roles of HuD in the nervous system. Additionally, we outline the present understanding of the molecular mechanisms presiding over the localization, abundance, and function of HuD in neurons.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This review synthesizes the roles of the neuron-specific RNA-binding protein HuD/ELAVL4 in mRNA metabolism, neuronal development, plasticity, and disease. It emphasizes that HuD is a multifunctional “master regulator” whose expression and activity are controlled at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels.

Key findings

  • The HuD gene spans ∼146 kb and contains seven coding exons (E2–E8) within ∼44 kb; alternative 5′ and 3′ exon use may generate up to 24 mRNA variants, and the protein is ∼40 kDa with three RNA recognition motifs (RRMs).
  • HuD binds AU-rich elements (AREs) and other U-rich motifs; less than half of HuD-bound mRNAs in one microarray screen contained an ARE, and three novel consensus motifs were present in ∼80% of HuD-targeted mRNAs in mouse forebrain.
  • HuD regulates multiple post-transcriptional steps—alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, mRNA stability, localization, and translation—and is implicated in neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth, plasticity, learning/memory, nerve injury, and diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal muscular atrophy, ALS, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and neuroendocrine cancers.
  • HuD expression/function is regulated by PKC, CARM1, AKT1, miR-375, thyroid hormone, FoxO1, and Ngn2; the review notes eight HuD exon 1 variants, with E1c predominantly expressed.

Methods

  • Narrative literature review; no primary experiments, systematic search strategy, or meta-analysis are reported.
  • Synthesizes published in vitro, cell culture, mouse, and human genetic/expression studies on HuD/ELAVL4.
  • Main analysis is descriptive integration of findings on HuD gene organization, mRNA targets, molecular functions, regulation, and disease associations.

Limitations

  • The paper is a narrative review without stated systematic review methods, inclusion criteria, or quality appraisal (evident from the text).
  • The authors state that molecular mechanisms regulating HuD expression remain incompletely understood and that further systematic investigation is needed.
  • The authors note that the precise role of HuD in some forms of neuronal plasticity requires further study.

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Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1261/rna.039164.113

Cites

220 of 220 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

104 of 241 cited sources checked · 47 supported · 4 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

Show all 122 claims

  • It may state two separate claims as one. 73
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 20
83 of 83
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    HuD has key roles in neuronal development and plasticity and is implicated in neuronal diseases.

    “The key roles of HuD in neuronal development and plasticity and its implications in neuronal diseases raise important questions regarding the molecular mechanisms that regulate its expression.”
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Citations

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Metadata

Authors
Bronicki, L. M., & Jasmin, B. J.
Affiliations
University of Ottawa (CA)
Venue
RNA
Published
2013-07-16
Volume
19
Issue
8
Pages
1019-1037
ISSN
  • 1355-8382 (ISSN-L)
  • 1469-9001
OpenAlex
W2152333262
Cited by
126
References
221
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 10 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 1
FWCI
2.69
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • RNA (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed Central (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • HighWire Press Open Archive (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Muscular Dystrophy Association
  • Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation
  • Muscular Dystrophy Canada
  • Canadian Space Agency
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › RNA Research and Splicing
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
Keywords
HUD, ELAVL4, RNA-binding proteins, mRNA metabolism, mRNA stability, pre-mRNA processing, translational regulation, neuronal development, neuroplasticity, learning and memory, neurological disorders, RNA localization, microRNA
MeSH terms
ELAV-Like Protein 4, Animals, Humans, Neurons, RNA, Messenger, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Mice, ELAV Proteins

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