MOV10 on the Move, A New Look at RNA Decay Control

Our cells are constantly making decisions about which RNAs to keep and which to discard, a process essential for healthy growth and defense against disease.

In a new study, Prof. Yaron Shav-Tal collaborated with Prof. Sutapa Chakrabarti (Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany), and their team revealed surprising details about MOV10, an RNA helicase that works in the same RNA degradation pathway as UPF1 but follows its own rules. MOV10 doesn’t just sit still; it shuttles between processing bodies and stress granules depending on the cell’s condition. This movement is guided mainly by its partnerships with other proteins rather than by RNA binding, giving it a unique role in managing RNA fate during stress.

These insights matter because when RNA decay goes wrong, the consequences can be serious, from cancer to neurodegenerative disorders to viral infections. By understanding how MOV10 operates, scientists may find new ways to fine-tune RNA surveillance, helping cells cope better with stress and disease.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbc.2025.110418