Book excerpt: Specific complexes of protein and RNA carry out many essential biological functions, including RNA processing, RNA turnover, and RNA folding, as well as the translation of genetic information from mRNA into protein sequences. Messenger RNA (mRNA) decay is now emerging as an important control point and a major contributor to gene expression. Continuing identification of the protein factors and cofactors and mRNA instability elements responsible for mRNA decay allow researchers to build a comprehensive picture of the highly orchestrated processes involved in mRNA decay and its regulation. - Covers the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) or mRNA surveillance pathway - Expert researchers introduce the most advanced technologies and techniques - Offers step-by-step lab instructions, including necessary equipment and reagents