Dcp1a phosphorylation along neuronal development and stress

Decapping protein 1a (Dcp1a) is found in P-bodies and functions in mRNA cap removal prior to its degradation. The function and binding partners of Dcp1a have been thoroughly studied, however its expression pattern is still unclear. In this study we have monitored Dcp1a expression along brain development, neuronal differentiation and during cellular stress. We found that Dcp1a is hyper-phosphorylated under these physiological conditions. We followed our observations and identified the specific amino acid residues that are phosphorylated. These findings suggest a novel post-translational modi. cation that may influence the function of Dcp1a in response to various physiological cues. (C) 2008 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.