Abstract
Translation of distally localized mRNAs is an evolutionary mechanism occurring in polarized cells. It has been observed in astrocytes, whose processes contact blood vessels and synapses. Here, we describe a protocol for the purification of the entire pool of ribosome-bound mRNAs in perisynaptic astrocytic processes (PAPs). Our procedure combines the preparation of synaptogliosomes with a refined translating ribosome affinity purification technique. This approach can be used in any brain region to probe the physiological relevance of local translation in PAPs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Mazaré et al. (2020).