Increased efficiency of exogenous messenger RNA translation in a Krebs ascites cell lysate

A function that relates protein synthetic rates to potassium activity in vivo

A newly developed experimental system allows the controlled alteration of intracellular K+ activity (aK) and the measurement of amino acid incorporation rates in a single cell, the Xenopus oocyte. We found that as aK is increased by microinjecting a K+ salt, [3H]leucine incorporation (R) varies over a 100-fold range, first stimulated and then inhibited as it passes through four response regions (A-D). In region A (aK approximately 60-100 mM), R is at a nongrowth or maintenance level and is stimulated weakly by increasing aK. In region B (aK approximately 100-130 mM), R is stimulated intensely by increasing aK, roughly tripling with every 10 mM increase. In region C (aK approximately 130-160 mM), R is inhibited intensely by increasing aK. Finally, in region D (aK greater than 160 mM), R is inhibited weakly as aK increases. Collectively, the four response regions constitute the oocyte's R/aK response function. The function provides a comprehensive description of how K+ activity influences the rate of protein synthesis in an intact cell. In the subsequent discussion, we compared the oocyte response function with the K+ response determined in cell-free translational systems. While in vivo and in vitro functions are similar, differences exist that may be important in a cellular control system. We then considered the relevance of the oocyte R/aK response function to "normal" processes in the oocyte and in somatic cells, i.e., those in which aK is varied by physiological changes in the plasma membrane. We concluded that the intensely stimulatory region B is importantly involved in hormonal action and other growth-activating processes and that the entire R/aK response function may play a role in control of protein synthesis during the cell cycle.

The molecular basis of disorders of human hemoglobin synthesis

The structure and organization of the human globin genes at the nucleotide level has been established by restriction endonuclease digestion of cellular DNA, and by the isolation and purification of these genes in phage vectors. With this approach it has been possible to define alterations at the DNA level resulting in a group of inherited diseases of man known as the thalassemia syndromes, and related disorders. Combined with other known genetic and biochemical data, these studies provide a framework for understanding the pathogenesis of these disorders at the molecular level.

Protein synthesis in transformed 3T3 cells permeabilized by exogenous ATP

Exogenous ATP has been shown to cause a rapid and reversible increase in permeability in transformed 3T3 cells (3T6 and SV3T3) but not in untransformed 3T3 cells. The cells remain viable, but lose intracellular acid-soluble pools. Treatment of transformed cells with ATP greatly reduces incorporation of 14C-leucine into protein, which is restored by the incubation of the cells with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium or by the external additions of certain ions and energy sources. tRNA is not required for the restoration of protein synthesis. In the permeabilized cells the energy for protein synthesis can be provided by glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, or direct addition of ATP. These studies demonstrate the usefulness of this method for studying the control of metabolism and macromolecular synthesis in monolayer cultures of transformed mammalian cells.

Highly efficient translation of messenger RNA in cell-free extracts prepared from L-cells

Micrococcal nuclease was used to eliminate endogenous protein synthesis in extracts prepared from L cells. The nuclease can be inhibited subsequently with 2'-deoxythymidine-3', 5'-diphosphate. Nuclease-treated extracts primed with exogenous reovirus mRNA, synthesized full length polypeptides with linear kinetics for almost two hours leading to stimulation of the order of 10(4) times over endogenous background. On the average, between 40 and 50 molecules of polypeptide were synthesized per molecule of mRNA.

Translation and stability of human globin mRNA in Xenopus oocytes

Human globin messenger RNA (mRNA) prepared from erythroid cells of patients with sickle cell anemia has been translated in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Addition of hemin to the injected mRNA causes total globin synthesis to increase and the ratio of alpha- to betas-globin synthesis (alpha/betas ratio) to approach unity. To determine the effect of the length of the poly-(A) segment on human globin mRNA stability, 10 S globin mRNA was fractionated into poly-(A)-poor fractions by oligo (dT)-cellulose column chromatography. When oocytes are injected with each of these fractions, translation of the poly-(A)-rich globin mRNA is sustained for a longer period than that of the poly-(A)-poor mRNA. Regardless of the mRNA fraction injected, the alpha/betas ratio of the synthesized globin decreases as the injected oocytes are incubated for longer periods. The results indicate that in frog oocytes poly-(A)-rich mRNA has greater translational stability than poly-(A)-poor mRNA, AND beta-mRNA has greater stability than alpha-mRNA with comparable poly-(A) content.

Abnormal or absent beta mRNA in betao Ferrara and gene deletion in delta beta thalassaemia

In patients with betao thalassaemia from Ferrara, beta globin mRNA sequences are either absent or structurally abnormal while in betao thalassaemia in Catania, beta globin mRNA sequences are present. In deltabeta thalassaemia there is a deletion of beta-like globin genes, while in betao Catania DNA, no beta globin gene deletion is detectable.

Messenger RNA translation in the presence of homologous and heterologous tRNA

The effect of tRNA distribution in the cell on the rate of specific protein synthesis has been investigated. A tRNA-dependent cell-free protein-synthesizing system derived from Krebs-II ascites cells has been worked out. In this system it is possible to synthesize specific proteins (egg-white proteins or globin) by the translation of oviduct or reticulocyte messenger RNA in the presence of tRNA from homologous or heterologous tissues. The rate of translation of a give messenger RNA is optimal in the presence of tRNA from the homologous tissue. The lower level of protein synthesis obtained with an excess of heterologous tRNA can be overcome by adding the homologous tRNA. Nevertheless homologous isoaccepting species partly purified by a reversed-phase chromatography or a benzoylated DEAE-cellulose column cannot fully restore the optimal synthesis, eliminating the hypothesis according to which a particular tRNA species is involved in this phenomenon. The correct distribution of tRNA is necessary for optimal translation of a messenger RNA.

Translation of murine leukemia virus RNA in cell-free systems from animal cells

The virion RNA of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MuLV) has been translated in eukaryotic cell-free systems derived from mouse L- and human HeLa cells. In both systems at least three polypeptides, approximately 60,000, 70,000, and 180,000 in apparent molecular weight, were formed in response to the added 35S MuLV RNA. All three polypeptides were precipitable with antiserum to detergent-disrupted MuLV. Fingerprint analysis of tryptic digests indicated that all three contain anino acid sequences in common with each other and with the major methionine-containing structural proteins of the virion.

Erythroid cell differentiation: murine erythroleukemia cell variant with unique pattern of induction by polar compounds

The murine-virus-infected erythroleukemia cell system provides an opportunity to examine regulatory mechanisms controlling cytodifferentiation. A cloned cell line (DR10c3) resistant to the erythropoiesis-inducing effect of dimethylsulfoxide (Me2SO) was isolated from the Me2SO-sensitive line DS19. DR10c3 is characterized as follows: (1) the uptake of [3H]Me2SO is similar to that in DS19; (2) cell growth with and without Me2SO is similar to that of DS19; (3) resistance is relatively stable; (4) the karyotype of DR10c3 reveals an average loss of five chromosomes per cell, but is otherwise similar to that of DS19; (5) total protein and globin synthesis by cells cultured 4 days with or without Me2SO is similar to these syntheses in DS19 cultured without Me2SO; (6) virtually no globin mRNA is detectable after 3 days in Me2SO, as assayed both by RNA-complementary DNA hybridization and by the heterologous cell-free protein-synthesizing system; (7) other polar compounds, N-methylpyrrolidinone, 1-methyl-2-piperidone, N, N-dimethylacetamide, and N-methylacetamide, induce erythroid differentiation in DR10c3, and the accumulation of alpha- and beta-globin chains is indistinguishable from that in DS19; and (8) the concentration optima for induction of differentiation by all these compounds are identical for DR10c3 and DS19.

Interferon activity produced by translation of human interferon messenger RNA in cell-free ribosomal systems and in Xenopus oöcytes

Translation of messenger RNA isolated from poly(rI)-poly(rC)-induced human fibroblasts in cell-free ribosomal systems and in Xenopus oocytes resulted in the production of biologically active proteins that had the properties of human fibroblast interferon. The translation in the oocytes was much more efficient, giving approximately 500 times higher titers of interferon activity than the cell-free systems. A control messenger RNA isolated from noninduced human fibroblasts, did not code for interferon synthesis in these systems. Both messenger RNA preparations stimulated [3H]amino-acid incorporation into trichloroacetic acid-insoluble material. The radioactive products and their immunoprecipitates were electrophoresed on polyacrylamide gels under denaturing conditions. The products resulting from the translation of the control (uninduced) messenger RNA in oocytes contained a major protein of approximately 45,000 molecular weight. The messenger RNA isolated from poly(rI)-poly(rC)-induced cells stimulated the synthesis of an additional 25,000 molecular weight protein that electrophoresed in the same position as human fibroblast interferon. These results suggest that human fibroblast interferon was synthesized by the translation of its messenger RNA in Xenopus oocytes and in cell-free ribosomal systems.

Isolation of rabbit reticulocyte initiation factors by means of heparin bound to sepharose

Passage of cell-free extracts of rabbit reticulocytes through heparin-Sepharose affinity columns results in the loss of the ability of the effluent to initiate protein synthesis. This is shown by the loss of response to added rabbit globin mRNA or to inhibitors of initiation of protein synthesis, such as heparin and aurin tricarboxylic acid, and by recovery of initiation activity by addition of protein retained and subsequently eluted from the columns. The effluent retains, however, the ability to elongate protein chains. Only 0.8% of the applied cell extract protein binds to heparin-Sepharose columns. This bound protein, which can be recovered by increasing the salt concentration of the eluting buffer, has initiation factor activity equal to that of a crude initiation factor preparation obtained from rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes by extraction with 0.5 M KCl. The protein patterns on polyacrylamide gels of the initiation factors prepared by either method are very similar and indicate a protein mixture, which may represent a complex. These data confirm that heparin interacts specifically with initiation factos, and indicate that heparin-Sepharose chromatography will simplify procedures for the preparation of initiation factors.

Regulation of protein synthesis at the translational level in neuroblastoma cells

Protein synthesis in reuroblastoma cells has been studied in a cell-free system. The activity of lysates from cells grown insuspension and monolayer has been compared. A higher level of activity has been found in monolayer cells. The activity of some components of the lysate that are involved in protein synthesis has been analyzed. The data suggest that the controlling step of protein synthesis in this system might be in the initiation process. The correlation between activation of protein synthesis and neurite outgrowth in monolayer cultures is discussed.

Endogenous messenger ribonucleic acid-directed polypeptide chain elongation in a cell-free system from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

An in vitro protein-synthesizing system from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been made by a modification of the procedure for preparation of the Krebs ascites system. The protein synthetic activity is directed by endogenous messenger. Amino acid incorporation occurs over a broad range of magnesium and potassium concentration, being maximal at 6 and 85 mM, respcetively. The activity of this in vitro system is due to the elongation of polypeptides whose synthesis was initiated in vivo. The cell extract does not initiate synthesis with endogenous messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA), since 1 muM pactamycin, which blocks initiation on prokaryotic or eukaryotic ribosomes invitro, fails to decrease amino acid incorporation. Ten micromolar cycloheximide, however, inhibits incorporation by 87%. Moreover, this system is not stimulated by rabbit reticulocyte polysomal RNA, which directs the synthesis of hemoglobin in extracts of Krebs ascites cells. The translation of this messenger is not masked by high endogenous incorporation, because autoradiography of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels containing [35-S]methionine-labeled products shows that no hemoglobin is made. Preincubation of this system, which reduces the high endogenous incorporation by 80%, does not increase its capacity to be stimulated by either rabbit reticulocyte RNA or yeast polyriboadenylic acid-containing RNA. Polyuridylic acid, however, does stimulate polyphenylalanine incorporation. The failure of the yeast lysate to be stimulated by or to translate added natural messenger RNA, its insensitivity to low levels of pactamycin but inhibition by cycloheximide, and its relatively high magnesium optimum (the same as that for polyuridylic acid) suggest that it elongates but does not initiate polypeptide chains.

Isolation and characterization of collagen messenger RNA*

Chick embryo collagen-synthesizing polysomes were isolated by differential centrifugation. RNA extracted from these particles was chromatographed in oligo(dT)-cellulose solumns and the mRNA thus obtained characterized as collagen mRNA by its electrophoetical mobility in acrylamide gels (equivalent to 1.05 x 10-6 daltons) and its effect upon a cell-free system derived from Krebs ascites tumor cells. The incorporation of 3H-proline was markedly dependent upon rabbit reticulocyte initiation factors and inhibited by initiation inhibitors such as aurintricaboxilate and pyrocatechol violet. The incorporation product was characterized as collagen by its lack of tryptophan, digestibility by purified bacterial collagenase, and by its co-chromatography with unlabled chick collagen in Sephadex G-200 and CM-cellulose columns.

Relative numbers of human globin genes assayed with purified alpha and beta complementary human DNA

Purified alpha and beta globin complementary DNAs (cDNAs) have been separated from total radioactively labeled human globin cDNA using mRNA purified from liver of a hydrops fetalis (alpha thalassemia). The beta cDNA hybridizes to the hydrops fetalis mRNA while the alpha cDNA remains single-stranded. the purified alpha and beta cDNAs were assayed for their purity by their hybridization to mRNA prepared from reticulocytes of nonthalassemia, alpha thalassemia, and beta thalassemia subjects. The results indicate that the separated cDNAs are selective in hybridization to alpha or beta globin mRNAs, respectively. The previously reported deficiency of globin mRNA in thalassemia cells has been confirmed with these purified cDNAs. The purified alpha and beta cDNAs were hybridized to cellular DNA to non-thalassemia, beta+ thalassemia, and hydrops fetalis (alpha thalassemia) DNA. The alpha cDNA hybridized to hydrops fetalis liver DNA to a much lower extent that beta cDNA, confirming the previously reported deletion of alpha globin genes in hydrops fetalis. By contrast, both the alpha and beta DNA probes hybridized to the same extent to spleen DNA from non-thalassemia and from beta+ thalassemia patients. Between two and five globin genes in non-thalassemia and beta+ thalassemia DNA hybridize to beta cDNA and one to five to alpha cDNA. These studies indicate that in beta+ thalassemia, there is no detectable deletion in beta globin genes. The genetic defect in beta+ thalassemia appears to be due to either repression of transcription of beta globin genes or abnormal processing of beta globin mRNA.

Translation of poly(riboadenylic acid)-enriched messenger RNAs from the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in heterologous cell-free systems

Poly(riboadenylic acid) [poly(A)] enriched messenger RNAs from yeast have been used to direct the synthesis of yeast polypeptides in mouse Krebs II ascites and wheat embryo extracts. Both cell-free systems, synthesize polypeptides over a molecular weight range of 10,000-100,000. Autoradiograms of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide slab gels used to fractionate [35S]methionine-labeled in vitro products reveal that about 25 major bands (each of them possibly representing multiple polypeptides) are produced by each cell-free system. Each of these coelectrophoreses with a major polypeptide labeled in vivo or in a yeast lysate. These results suggest that cell-free translational machinery from eukaryotes is not able to discriminate in an all or none fashion against messenger RNAs which are available to it. While yeast poly(A)-enriched messenger RNA directs the synthesis polypeptides over approximately the same molecular weight range in both cell-free systems, the wheat germ system directs the incorporation of 45 times the amount of [3H]serine into Cl3CCOOH-precipitable polypeptides. This is in contrast to the 2.5-fold more efficient translation of hemoglobin mRNA in the wheat embryo extract. Thus, the extract from mammalian cells is able to translate mRNA from a lower plant with a much lower efficiency than it translates hemoglobin mRNA, and at a lower efficiency than is observed using a cell-free system from wheat embryos. This indicates that the wheat embryo system is the one of choice for translation of yeast messenger RNA.

Translation of mRNA for 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase isolated from epidermis tissue of Calliphora vicina R. -D. in a heterologous system. Dependence of mRNA concentration on the insect steroid hormone ecdysone

RNA was isolated from the epidermis of Calliphora vicina larvae by phenol--chloroform extraction. The RN A sedimenting in sucrose gradients between 5 and 18 S was submitted to chromatography on oligo(dT)-cellulose columns. The fraction binding to the oligo(dT) is able to stimulate protein synthesis in a system consisting of mouse liverribosomal subunits, pH-5 factors from rat liver and initiation factors from rabbit reticulocytes. Optimal Mg2+ concentration for the translation of insect mRNA is 3.5 mM, that of K+ 76 MM. Initiation factors prepared from epidermis of Calliphora larvae are less efficient in the translation of insect mRNA than initiation factors isolated from reticulocytes. The pH-5 fraction from epidermis inhibits protein synthesis independent of the source of the mRNA fraction used. One of the proteins synthesized in the reconstituted system under the direction of insect mRNA has been identified as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) decarboxylase by immunoprecipitation with specific antiserum against DOPA decarboxylase and comigration in dodecylsulphate-acrylamide electrophoresis with pure DOPA decarboxylase. Both mRNA from white prepupae and from 6--7-days-old larvae contain sequences coding for DOPA decarboxylase. However, white prepupae contains 3--4 times more DOPA decarboxylase-mRNA than 6--7-days-old larvae. The content of DOPA decarboxylase mRNA is proportional to the amount of active DOPA decarboxylase molecules present in the animals from which the mRNA was isolated.

Specific changes in the messenger ribonucleic acid content of the rat ventral prostate gland after androgenic stimulation. Evidence from the synthesis of aldolase messenger ribonucleic acid

1. Aldolase was selected as a suitable marker for following the androgenic regulation of mRNA synthesis in the prostate gland. 2. Antibodies raised in rabbits against crystalline prostate aldolase were used to monitor the synthesis of this androgen-induced enzyme after hormonal stimulation of castrated animals, by using procedures in vivo and in vitro for the translation of prostate poly(A)-rich mRNA. 3. After androgenic stimulation in vivo the poly(A)-rich mRNA was isolated from the prostate gland and other tissues of castrated rats, and added to a protein-synthesizing system in vitro derived from Krebs II ascites-tumour cells. By using this approach it was found that androgens regulate the synthesis of aldolase mRNA in a highly tissue-specific manner. Stimulation of aldolase mRNA synthesis reached a maximum after 8h of androgenic treatment and then declined. 4. The androgenic control of aldolase mRNA synthesis was also investigated in vivo. After treatment of castrated animals with various steroids in vivo [(35)S]methionine was injected directly into the prostate gland, and labelled aldolase was selectively precipitated from isolated polyribosomes with anti-aldolase serum. The regulation of aldolase mRNA synthesis in the prostate gland was stringently steroid-specific and could only be evoked by androgens. After a single injection of testosterone, aldolase synthesis reached a maximum after 16h of hormonal stimulation and then declined. 5. Although androgens exert significant control over transcriptional processes in the prostate gland, and appear to regulate the synthesis of aldolase mRNA de novo, the possibility exists for additional means of control at the translational level of aldolase synthesis. The results are discussed in the context of the overall mechanism of action of androgens.

A limited number of globin genes in human DNA

The number of globin genes in human cells was determined by hybridizing DNA from human spleens to (3)H-labeled DNA complementary to human globin mRNA. Assuming the rates of reannealing of complementary DNA and cellular DNA are similar, the extent of hybridization of complementary DNA at various ratios of cellular DNA to complementary DNA indicate that there are fewer than 10 globin gene copies per haploid human genome. An alternative analysis of the data, which introduces no assumptions concerning the relative rates of reaction of complementary DNA and cellular DNA, indicates fewer than 20 globin gene copies are present. DNA isolated from the spleen of a patient with beta(+) thalassemia contained a number of globin gene copies similar to that of normal DNA.

Preferential binding of beta s globin chains associated with stroma in sickle cell disorders

Sickle cell anemia (SS) is associated with abnormalities of the red cell membrane and decreased red cell deformability. The present study assesses globin chain binding to stroma in SS, sickle cell trait (AS), and nonsickling (AA) cells. The results indicate that there is preferential binding of newly synthesized beta(S) globin to red cell stroma in SS cells and preferential binding of beta(S) to stroma compared to beta(A) in AS cells. These studies show that beta(S) globin binding to stroma accompanies the membrane abnormalities in SS and AS patients.

Balanced globin chain synthesis in hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin

In two black families with the hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) gene there are eight A-F heterozygotes and two double heterozygotes for sickle cell trait and HPFH. These patients are clinically asymptomatic and have homogeneous acid elution smears. Measurement of globin chain synthesis in peripheral blood demonstrates balanced production of a alpha and non-alpha (beta plus gamma) chains. In these patients, the balance is achieved by increased gamma globin production and increased activity of the remaining beta globin allele. In two patients, one A-F and the other S-F there is also balanced globin synthesis in the bone marrow. In a double heterozygote for HPFH and beta-thalassemia, anemia (Hb: 11.5 g/100 ml) is associated with a moderate degree of globin chain imbalance. There is a correlation between balanced globin chain synthesis and the absence of anemia in patients with HPFH.

Nucleotide sequences of human globin messenger RNA

Globin messenger RNA, isolated from human peripheral blood reticulocytes, was transcribed into complementary DNA by use of the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase of avian myeloblastosis virus. The complementary DNA was then transcribed into (32)P-labeled complementary RNA by E. coli RNA polymerase in the presence of alpha-(32)P-labeled ribonucleoside triphosphates. The fingerprint pattern obtained from ribonuclease T1 digests of human globin complementary RNA was specific and reproducible. Different patterns were obtained from digests of duck, mouse, and rabbit globin complementary RNA. The fingerprint patterns obtained from digests of purified natural human 10S globin messenger RNA, labeled in vitro with (125)I or with [gamma-(32)P]ATP and polynucleotide kinase, were similar to that of the complementary RNA but contained some additional oligonucleotides. Sufficient nucleotide sequence information has been obtained from about 50% of the intermediate sized oligonucleotides (8-14 base residues long), to make possible examination of correspondence between these nucleotide sequences and globin amino-acid sequences. Approximately 70% of these oligonucleotide sequences can be matched to unique amino-acid sequences in the alpha- or beta-globin chains. The other 30% do not match known amino-acid sequences and presumably correspond to untranslated portions of the mRNA; some of these sequences, however, can be matched to amino-acid sequence in the abnormally long segment of the alpha chain of hemoglobin Constant Spring, which is thought to result from a chain-termination mutation.

Studies on the form and synthesis of messenger ribonucleic acid in the rat ventral prostate gland, including its tissue-specific stimulation by androgens

1. When prostate polyribosomes are labelled with radioactive precursors in vivo and subsequently dissociated with sodium dodecyl sulphate, a heterogeneous 6-15S RNA species may be identified that possesses all of the distinctive properties of mRNA. 2. Apart from the selective incorporation of 5'-fluoro-orotic acid into this 6-15S RNA component, it is bound by nitrocellulose filters under experimental conditions where only poly(A)-rich species of RNA are specifically retained. Most importantly, however, only the 6-15S RNA fraction is capable of promoting the incorporation of amino acids into peptide linkage in an mRNA-depleted cell-free system derived from ascites-tumour cells. 3. With the development of a simpler method for labelling the total RNA fraction of the prostate gland in vitro, the poly(A)-enriched RNA fraction may be readily isolated by adsorption and elution from oligo(dT)-cellulose. The synthesis of the poly(A)-enriched 6-15S RNA fraction is stringently controlled by androgens in a highly tissue- and steroid-specific manner. 4. From an analysis of the proteins synthesized in the ascites cell-free system in the presence of the poly(A)-rich RNA fraction, it appears that protein synthesis in the prostate gland is stimulated in a rather general way, even during the earliest phases of the androgenic response. This conclusion may require modification when more specific means of analysis are available than those used in the present investigation. 5. The implications of these findings to the mechanism of action of androgens are discussed.

Cell-free translation of the globin message within polydisperse high-molecular-weight ribonucleic acid of avian erythrocytes

Polydisperse high-molecular-weight RNA of nucleated avian erythrocytes includes sequences coding for globin chains. The RNA was extracted from immature erythrocytes of ducks and fractionated under denaturing conditions by sucrose density gradient centrifugation in 99% dimethylsulfoxide. The RNA sedimenting faster than 45 S was able to direct the synthesis of duck globins in the Krebs II ascites cell-free protein-synthesizing system. The newly synthesized globin molecules have been identified by their characteristic electrophoretic properties in polyacrylamide gels containing either urea or sodium dodecyl sulfate, and by immunoprecipitation of the released globin chains by rabbit antibodies against duck hemoglobin. In order to rule out the possibility of a contamination of the high-molecular-weight RNA with duck-globin messenger RNA tailing from the 9-10S region, rabbit-globin messenger RNA was added to duck RNA as an internal control. No rabbit-globin messenger RNA activity could be detected in the RNA fractions sedimenting faster than 45 S. It is concluded that high-molecular-weight RNAs in the nucleated erythroid cell contain sequences of globin messenger RNAs covalently attached to larger polynucleotide chains. These results support the view that polydisperse nuclear RNA is the precursor of the cytoplasmic messenger RNA fraction.

In vitro translation of oogenetic messenger RNA of sea urchin eggs and picornavirus RNA with a cell-free system from sarcoma 180

A cell-free protein-synthesizing system prepared from mouse sarcoma 180 was characterized by use of RNA from mengo virus and sea urchin egg. In the presence of exogenous mammalian transfer RNA, total sea urchin egg RNA and mengo RNA direct incorporation of [(3)H]leucine into acid-insoluble material. The system is extremely efficient in that a stimulation of 100-times over background can be obtained. Studies with formylmethionyl-transfer RNA, as well as with inhibitors of initiation, indicate that multiple initiation occurs; further, 85-90% of all chains made in vitro are subsequently released from ribosomes. An average translation time of 3.5 min was determined with messenger RNA of sea urchin egg, and product analysis indicates that high-molecular-weight products (greater than 50,000 molecular weight) are being made in vitro. Sequences of sea urchin egg RNA containing poly(A) act as messenger RNA.