Axon-enriched lincRNA ALAE is required for axon elongation via regulation of local mRNA translation

Summary: Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are critical regulators involved in diverse biological processes. However, the roles and related mechanisms of lincRNAs in axon development are largely unknown. Here we report an axon-enriched lincRNA regulating axon elongation, referred to as ALAE. Profiling of highly expressed lincRNAs detected abundant and enriched ALAE in the axons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, where it locally promoted axon elongation. Mechanically, ALAE directly interacted with the KH3–4 domains of KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KHSRP) and impeded its association with growth-associated protein 43 (Gap43) mRNA. Knockdown of ALAE reduced the protein but not the mRNA level of GAP43 in the axons of DRG neurons. Furthermore, local disruption of the interaction between ALAE and KHSRP in the axon significantly inhibited Gap43 mRNA translation, impairing axon elongation. This study implies crucial roles of axon-enriched lincRNAs in spatiotemporal regulation of local translation during axon development.