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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Assessment of Selective mRNA Translation in Mammalian Cells by Polysome Profiling
Published on: October 28, 2014
Depletion of cellular poly (A) binding protein prevents protein synthesis and leads to apoptosis in HeLa cells
Mst Thangima Zannat1, Rumpa B Bhattacharjee, Jnanankur Bag
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G2W1.
Abstract:
The cytoplasmic poly (A) binding protein (PABP) is important in mRNA translation and stability. In yeast, depletion of PABP leads to translation arrest. Similarly, the PABP gene in Drosophila is important for proper development. It is however uncertain, whether mammalian PABP is essential for mRNA translation. Here we showed the effect of PABP depletion on mRNA metabolism in HeLa cells by using a small interfering RNA. Our results suggest that depletion of PABP prevents protein synthesis and consequently leads to cell death through apoptosis. Interestingly, no detectable effect of PABP depletion on transcription, transport and stability of mRNA was observed.
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