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Generation of multiple mRNA transcripts from the novel human apoptosis-inducing gene hap by alternative

Xiaoling Qu1, Yipeng Qi, Bing Qi

  • 1Institute of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China.

Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|June 11, 2002
PubMed

Insights

The human apoptosis-inducing gene, hap, has two mRNA variants generated by alternative polyadenylation. Its 3'-UTR enhances gene translation, not mRNA stability or transcription.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • The human hap gene, involved in apoptosis, exists as two major mRNA species (1.8 and 2.7 kb).
  • These transcripts arise from alternative polyadenylation site selection within the hap gene.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulatory mechanisms controlling hap gene expression.
  • To determine the functional role of the 3 -untranslated region (3 -UTR) in hap mRNA regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Northern blot analysis to detect and quantify hap mRNA species.
  • Reporter gene assays (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) to assess translational activity.
  • mRNA stability assays to compare transcript half-lives.

Main Results:

  • Two hap mRNA transcripts (1.8 and 2.7 kb) were identified, originating from distinct polyadenylation signals.
  • The 2.7 kb hap mRNA's 3 -UTR demonstrated a threefold translational activation for both hap and reporter gene expression.
  • No significant differences in mRNA stability were observed between the two hap transcripts.
  • Steady-state cytoplasmic mRNA levels did not differ significantly.

Conclusions:

  • The 3 -UTR of the longer hap mRNA transcript plays a crucial role in translational regulation.
  • Alternative polyadenylation and the 3 -UTR contribute to modulating hap gene expression at the translational level.
  • Gene expression regulation by hap involves translational control rather than transcriptional or mRNA stability mechanisms.

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