mRNA encoding the translation initiation factor eIF‐4E is expressed early in Xenopus embryogenesis

Abstract
The translation initiation factor eIF‐4E plays an important role in regulating the overall rate of translation in eukaryotic cells. To investigate the expression of eIF‐4E itseIF, we characterized the eIF‐4E mRNA expressed in Xenopus embryos. 5′‐RACE was performed to determine the 5′‐end of the mRNA and the result predicts isoforms differing at the amino‐terminal end. Expression of the eIF‐4E mRNA in Xenopus oocytes and embryos was examined by RT‐PCR. Xenopus eIF‐4E mRNA is produced during oogenesis and persists during the early stages of embryogenesis as a maternal mRNA.