Alpha-actinin synthesis can be modulated by antisense probes and is autoregulated in non-muscle cells.

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Abstract
We used a 279 bp cDNA probe derived from a Dictyostelium alpha‐actinin genomic sequence to assay the degree of homology between alpha‐actinin from slime molds, mammalian and chicken cells. Recognition of this probe by vertebrate cells was shown in Southern and Northern blots, and by antisense RNA‐induced depression of endogenous alpha‐actinin synthesis in living cells. Micro‐injection of Dictyostelium or chicken gizzard alpha‐actinin resulted in incorporation of these proteins in stress fibers, peripheral microfilament belts and adhesion sites. Alpha‐actinin‐injected cells showed a marked, transient reduction of synthesis of the corresponding endogenous protein. These data emphasize the high degree of conservation of alpha‐actinin during evolution and show for the first time autoregulation of synthesis for a microfilament protein.