The QKI-6 RNA Binding Protein Localizes with the MBP mRNAs in Stress Granules of Glial Cells

BACKGROUND: The quaking viable (qk(v)) mouse has several developmental defects that result in rapid tremors in the hind limbs. The qkI gene expresses three major alternatively spliced mRNAs (5, 6 and 7 kb) that encode the QKI-5, QKI-6 and QKI-7 RNA binding proteins that differ in their C-terminal 30 amino acids. The QKI isoforms are known to regulate RNA metabolism within oligodendrocytes, however, little is known about their roles during cellular stress. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study, we report an interaction between the QKI-6 isoform and a component of the RNA induced silencing complex (RISC), argonaute 2 (Ago2). We show in glial cells that QKI-6 co-localizes with Ago2 and the myelin basic protein mRNA in cytoplasmic stress granules. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings define the QKI isoforms as Ago2-interacting proteins. We also identify the QKI-6 isoform as a new component of stress granules in glial cells.