SummaryLong-distance transport of mRNAs is important in determining polarity in eukaryotes. Molecular motors shuttle large ribonucleoprotein complexes (mRNPs) containing RNA-binding proteins and associated factors along microtubules. However, precise mechanisms including the interplay of molecular motors and a potential connection to membrane trafficking remain elusive. Here, we solve the motor composition of transported mRNPs containing the RNA-binding protein Rrm4 of the pathogen Ustilago maydis. The underlying transport process determines the axis of polarity in infectious filaments. Plus-end-directed Kin3, a kinesin-3 type motor, mediates anterograde transport of mRNPs and is also present in transport units moving retrogradely. Split dynein Dyn1-Dyn2 functions in retrograde movement of mRNPs. Plus-end-directed conventional kinesin Kin1 is indirectly involved by transporting minus-end-directed dynein back to plus ends. Importantly, we additionally demonstrate that Rrm4-containing mRNPs colocalise with the t-SNARE Yup1 on shuttling endosomes and that functional endosomes are essential for mRNP movement. Either loss of Kin3 or removal of its lipidbinding pleckstrin-homology domain abolishes Rrm4-dependent movement without preventing colocalisation of Rrm4 and Yup1-positive endosomes. In summary, we uncovered the combination of motors required for mRNP shuttling along microtubules. Furthermore, intimately linked co-transport of endosomes and mRNPs suggests vesicle hitchhiking as mode of mRNP transport.

Endosomes transport lipids and proteins over long distances by shuttling along microtubules. They also carry mRNAs on their surface, but the precise molecular function of this trafficking process is unknown. By live cell imaging of polarized fungal hyphae, we show microtubule-dependent transport of septin mRNA and encoded septin protein on the same shuttling endosomes. Consistent with the hypothesis that septin mRNA is translated on endosomes, the accumulation of septin protein on endosomes requires the recruitment of septin mRNA. Furthermore, ribosomal proteins co-localise with shuttling endosomes, but only if mRNA is present. Importantly, endosomal trafficking is essential for an efficient delivery of septin protein to filaments at growth poles, a process necessary to establish unipolar growth. Thus, we propose that local mRNA translation loads endosomes with septins for assembly and efficient delivery to septin filaments.