AbstractGrowing axons encounter numerous developmental signals to which they must promptly respond in order to properly form complex neural circuitry. In the axons, these signals are often transduced into a local increase or decrease in protein levels. Contrary to the traditional view that the cell bodies are the exclusive source of axonal proteins, it is becoming increasingly clear not only that de novo protein synthesis takes place in axons, but also that it is required for the axons to respond to certain signals. Here we review the current knowledge of local mRNA translation in developing neurons with a special focus on protein synthesis occurring in axons and growth cones. WIREs RNA 2011 2 153–165 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.53This article is categorized under: Translation > Translation Regulation RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development