mRNAs have been shown to cross-talk with other mRNAs by serving as competing endogenous RNAs that 'sponge up' microRNAs. A report now claims a new, physiologically significant function for mRNAs that cross-talk through partially complementary Alu elements in the 3′ untranslated region. The Staufen1-mediated mRNA pathway targets both mRNAs in the duplex, provided that they are translated.
- Chenguang Gong
- Yalan Tang
- Lynne E Maquat
