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Structure–function relationship of 5′ non-coding sequence of rabbit α- and β-globin mRNA

Abstract

RETICULOCYTES make essentially equimolar amounts of α- and β-globin as required for the correct assembly of haemoglobin. It has been shown, however, that α and β mRNAs differ in their rate constant for ribosome attachment1,2. In particular α-globin mRNA initiates protein synthesis only 60% as frequently as β-globin mRNA (refs 3–5). The 5′ non-coding region is thought to be involved in the binding of the mRNA to the ribosome for the correct initiation of protein synthesis. A comparative study of the sequences of the 5′ non-coding regions of α- and β-globin mRNA may show whether their differential rate of initiation can be ascribed to specific features in the mRNA structure or whether it is a function of some other part of the translational machinery. Recently the complete sequence of the 5′ non-coding region of rabbit β-globin mRNA has been elucidated6. I report here the complete sequence of the 5′ non-coding region of rabbit α-globin mRNA, determined following essentially the same methology.

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BARALLE, F. Structure–function relationship of 5′ non-coding sequence of rabbit α- and β-globin mRNA. Nature 267, 279–281 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/267279a0

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