Drosophila RNA binding proteins.

RNA binding proteins are fundamental mediators of gene expression. The use of the model organism Drosophila has helped to elucidate both tissue-specific and ubiquitous functions of RNA binding proteins. These proteins mediate all aspects of the mRNA lifespan including splicing, nucleocytoplasmic transport, localization, stability, translation, and degradation. Most RNA binding proteins fall into several major groups, based on their RNA binding domains. As well, experimental data have revealed several proteins that can bind RNA but lack canonical RNA binding motifs, suggesting the presence of as yet uncharacterized RNA binding domains. Here, we present the major classes of Drosophila RNA binding proteins with special focus on those with functional information.