Neurons are highly specialized cells with branched dendrites spanning tens of millimeters and extended axons that elongate hundreds of centimeters. They sense and respond to various stimuli on the order of milliseconds. Therefore, the expression of proteins and specific protein isoforms that contribute to these processes must be controlled quantitatively in time and space to meet rapidly changing metabolic needs. Neurons have complex gene regulation mechanisms that involve multiple post-transcriptional RNA metabolic steps, including RNA splicing, 3'UTR processing, editing, transport, translation, and degradation. Alterations in these processes usually lead to numerous neuronal disorders.

In this Methods Collection, we assemble current biochemical, genetic, cellular, imaging, and sequencing methods used to monitor neuronal post-transcriptional RNA regulation events at different levels involving single and global gene changes. This collection focuses on the technical advances to assess dynamic interactions between mRNA and RNA-binding proteins, RNA splicing and polyadenylation events, RNA editing, transport, translation, and degradation.