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Transient translational silencing by reversible mRNA deadenylation

J Huarte1, A Stutz, M L O'Connell

  • 1Institute of Histology and Embryology, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland.

Cell
|June 12, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Messenger RNA (mRNA) translation in mouse oocytes is controlled by poly(A) tail length. Reversible deadenylation silences dormant mRNA, enabling regulated protein synthesis during maturation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) mRNA is stored untranslated in primary mouse oocytes.
  • Polyadenylation and deadenylation regulate mRNA translation during oocyte maturation.
  • Short poly(A) tails are associated with mRNA dormancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms controlling tPA mRNA translational activation.
  • To identify sequence elements regulating poly(A) tail length.
  • To elucidate the role of deadenylation in translational control of dormant mRNAs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of polyadenylation and deadenylation activities in oocytes.
  • Identification of adenylation control elements (ACEs) in mRNA.
  • Reporter mRNA translation assays in primary oocytes.

Main Results:

  • Nuclear tPA mRNA transcripts are extensively polyadenylated.
  • Oocytes possess a deadenylating activity that silences cytoplasmic mRNA.
  • An AU-rich adenylation control element (ACE) in the 3' UTR prevents translation.
  • Stage-specific poly(A) tail regulation controls tPA synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • Reversible deadenylation is a key mechanism for translational control of dormant mRNAs.
  • Poly(A) tail length regulation ensures stage-specific protein synthesis in oocytes.
  • ACEs mediate translational silencing of untranslated mRNAs.

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