Abstract
THE 3′-OH poly(A) segment of globin mRNA ensures the stability of the message when injected into Xenopus oocytes1–4. We recently developed5 a specific method for the removal of the poly(A) tail from globin mRNA, based on synchronous processive phosphorolysis of mRNA using molar excess of E. coli polynucleotide phosphorylase at 0 °C. When injected into Xenopus oocytes, deadenylated globin mRNA is translated for a relatively short period and then rapidly degraded1,2. Native poly(A)-containing mRNA, however, is considerably more stable in the same conditions and is translated for extended periods of time1,2,7. The poly (A) segment itself is responsible for the stability of native globin mRNA in Xenopus oocytes since poly(A) re-addition to previously deadenylated mRNA restores the functional stability of the message3. We do not yet know, however, how poly(A) exerts its protective function; furthermore, the mechanism of degradation of poly(A)-free mRNA is not known. We report here the use of the enhancing effects of haemin on the translation of α-globin mRNA in frog oocytes6 to establish that, in these cells, the degradation of injected poly(A)-free α-globin mRNA is linked to its translation.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Huez, G. et al. Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 71, 3143–3146 (1974).
Marbaix, G. et al. Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 72, 3065–3067 (1975).
Huez, G. et al. Eur. J. Biochem. 59, 589–592 (1975).
Nudel, U. et al. Eur. J. Biochem. 64, 115–121 (1976).
Soreq, H., Nudel, U., Salomon, R., Revel, M. & Littauer, U. Z. J. molec. Biol. 88, 233–243 (1974).
Giglioni, B., Gianni, A. M., Comi, P., Ottolenghi, S. & Rungger, D. Nature new Biol. 246, 99–102 (1973).
Gurdon, J. B., Lingrel, J. B. & Marbaix, G. J. molec. Biol. 80, 539–551 (1973).
Gianni, A. M., Giglioni, B., Ottolenghi, S., Comi, P. & Guidotti, G. G. Nature new Biol. 240, 183–185 (1972).
Marbaix, G., Huez, G., Nokin, P. & Cleuter, Y. FEBS Lett. 66, 259–273 (1976).
Kacian, D. L., Watson, K. F., Burny, A. & Spiegelman, S. Biochim. biophys. Acta 246, 365–383 (1971).
Gurdon, J. B., Lane, C. D., Woodland, H. R. & Marbaix, G. Nature 233, 177–182 (1971).
Allende, C. C., Allende, J. E. & Firtel, R. A. Cell 2, 189–196 (1974).
Gallwitz, D. Nature 157, 247–248 (1975).
Stiles, C. D., Kai-Lin, L. & Kenney, F. T. Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 73, 2364–2368 (1976).
Shapira, G., Rosa, J., Maleknia, N. & Padieu, P. Meth. Enzym. 12, 747–759 (1968).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
HUEZ, G., MARBAIX, G., BURNY, A. et al. Degradation of deadenylated rabbit α-globin mRNA in Xenopus oocytes is associated with its translation. Nature 266, 473–474 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/266473a0
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/266473a0
This article is cited by
-
Increase in the levels of activity of polyadenylic acid-metabolizing enzymes following phytohaemagglutinin stimulation of human lymphocytes
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (1987)
-
Male sterility in Heliothis virescens x H. subflexa backcross hybrids
Molecular and General Genetics MGG (1986)
-
The translational control phase of early development
Bioscience Reports (1982)
-
Functional stabilisation of HeLa cell histone messenger RNAs injected into Xenopus oocytes by 3′- OH polyadenylation
Nature (1978)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.