Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Constitutive and Inducible Systems for Genetic In Vivo Modification of Mouse Hepatocytes Using Hydrodynamic Tail Vein Injection
Published on: February 2, 2018
A type II mutation (Glu117stop), induction of allele-specific mRNA degradation and factor XI deficiency
Abstract:
The Glu117stop mutation in the factor XI (FXI) gene is the most common cause of FXI deficiency and might cause the disease either by poor secretion/stability of the truncated protein or by decreased mRNA levels. Platelet- and lymphocyte-derived mRNA from three Glu117stop heterozygotes were analyzed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and sequencing, demonstrating allele-specific reduction of FXI Glu117stop mRNA.
Insights
The common Glu117stop mutation in factor XI (FXI) reduces FXI mRNA levels, explaining FXI deficiency. This finding clarifies the molecular basis of this bleeding disorder.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- The Glu117stop mutation is the primary genetic cause of factor XI (FXI) deficiency.
- This deficiency may result from a truncated FXI protein with impaired secretion or stability, or reduced mRNA levels.
Discussion:
- Analysis of platelet and lymphocyte mRNA from heterozygotes revealed allele-specific reduction of FXI Glu117stop mRNA.
- This suggests that the mutation directly impacts mRNA levels, contributing to FXI deficiency.
Key Insights:
- The Glu117stop mutation leads to decreased factor XI (FXI) mRNA levels.
- This reduction in mRNA is a key mechanism underlying FXI deficiency.
Outlook:
- Further research can explore therapeutic strategies targeting mRNA levels for FXI deficiency.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of FXI deficiency can improve diagnosis and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Alternative RNA Splicing
There are five types of alternative RNA splicing that vary in the ways the pre-mRNA segments are removed or retained in the mature mRNA. The first...
Mutations
Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
RNA Splicing
