Role of the Polyadenylate Segment in the Translation of Globin Messenger RNA in Xenopus Oocytes

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The translations of native messenger RNA for rabbit globin and that of poly(A)-free globin messenger RNA have been compared after injection into Xenopus oocytes. The initial rate of translation of poly(A)-free mRNA is close to that found with intact mRNA. However, at longer incubation periods, the rate of globin synthesis with poly(A)-free mRNA is considerably lower than with native mRNA. Similar differences in the template activity of the two mRNA preparations were found with a cell-free extract of Krebs II ascites tumor. It is concluded that the presence of the 3′ poly(A)-rich sequence in mRNA is required to ensure high functional stability.