A 54‐kDa Protein Specifically Associates the 3′ Untranslated Region of Three Maternal mRNAs with the Cytoskeleton of the Animal Part of the Paracertrotus Lividus Egg

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Abstract
Bep mRNAs, i.e., maternal messengers coding for cell surface proteins, are localized in the animal part of Paracertrotus lividus egg and embryos. Here we have examined the involvement of the cytoskeleton in asymmetric distribution of bep3 mRNA. Moreover, in order to understand whether and how cis-and trans-acting factors are necessary for bep3 mRNA localization, we have looked for in vitro-specific interactions between egg proteins and bep3 mRNA. By northwestern assay we have identified a 54-kDa protein that binds to the 3′UTR of bep3 mRNA. This 54-kDa protein also permits association of 3′UTR of bep3 with cytoskeleton elements, indicating its involvement in the localization process. Binding of 54-kDa protein to 3′UTR of bep1 and bep4 has also been demonstrated, suggesting that a binding motif is shared with these other two mRNAs of the same gene family. Northwestern analyses carried out utilizing proteins extracted from different developmental stages indicate that the 54-kDa protein is the only protein able to bind to the 3′UTR of bep3.