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Maternal mRNA expression in early development: regulation at the 3' end
J D Richter1, J Paris, L L McGrew
1Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Shrewsbury, Mass.
Enzyme
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Maternal mRNA translation during early development is controlled by polyadenylation, which is regulated by specific RNA sequences. This process is crucial for embryonic gene expression after fertilization.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Expression Regulation
Background:
- Early animal development relies on maternal messenger RNAs (mRNAs) present in the fertilized egg.
- These maternal mRNAs are often translationally inactive in oocytes and become active during maturation or fertilization.
- Polyadenylation is a key mechanism controlling maternal mRNA translation during these critical early developmental stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of polyadenylation in regulating maternal mRNA translation during early development.
- To examine the cis-acting elements and protein factors involved in polyadenylation.
- To discuss how polyadenylation influences both mRNA translation and stability.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on maternal mRNA regulation.
- Analysis of cis-acting elements in the 3'-terminal regions of mRNAs.
- Examination of protein factors interacting with these cis elements.
Main Results:
- Polyadenylation is essential for activating translation of dormant maternal mRNAs.
- Specific 3'-terminal cis elements are required for polyadenylation.
- Protein factors interacting with these cis elements have been identified in specific cases.
- Polyadenylation also regulates the half-life of maternal mRNAs.
Conclusions:
- Polyadenylation, directed by 3'-terminal cis elements and associated factors, is a critical regulator of maternal mRNA translation and stability.
- Understanding these mechanisms provides insight into the control of gene expression during the crucial transition from oocyte to embryo.