Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
11:49
A Novel Saturation Mutagenesis Approach: Single Step Characterization of Regulatory Protein Binding Sites in RNA Using Phosphorothioates
Published on: August 21, 2018
DAZAP1, an RNA-binding protein required for development and spermatogenesis, can regulate mRNA translation
Richard W P Smith1, Ross C Anderson, Joel W S Smith
1MRC Centre for Reproductive Health/MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, Scotland, United Kingdom.
RNA (New York, N.Y.)
|May 18, 2011
Summary
DAZ-associated protein 1 (DAZAP1) activates mRNA translation by stimulating initiation, independent of the 5' cap. This conserved function, mainly in C-terminal regions, is developmentally regulated and modulated by mRNA adenylation status.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- DAZ-associated protein 1 (DAZAP1) is an RNA-binding protein crucial for growth, development, and fertility.
- The precise molecular functions of DAZAP1 remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DAZAP1's function in gene expression.
- To investigate DAZAP1's role as a potential regulator of mRNA translation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Xenopus laevis and human DAZAP1.
- Employed domain mapping and reporter mRNA assays with internal ribosome entry sites.
- Analyzed polysome association and ERK phosphorylation of DAZAP1.
Main Results:
- DAZAP1 acts as an mRNA-specific translational activator, sensitive to binding sites in the 3' UTR.
- This function is conserved in C-terminal regions and developmentally controlled.
- DAZAP1 stimulates translation initiation downstream of 5' cap recognition, modulated by mRNA adenylation.
Conclusions:
- DAZAP1 is a novel mRNA-specific translational activator.
- Its mechanism involves stimulating translation initiation, potentially via end-to-end complex formation.
- DAZAP1 regulation is linked to developmental control and mRNA adenylation status.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...
02:22Regulated mRNA Transport
In eukaryotes, transcription and translation are compartmentalized; an mRNA is first synthesized in the nucleus and then selectively transported to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. Before transport, a pre-mRNA undergoes several steps of post-transcriptional modifications including splicing, 5' capping, and the addition of a poly-adenine tail. Various proteins bind to the pre-mRNA during these modifications. The mRNA transport takes place with the help of multiple proteins playing specific...
02:22Regulated mRNA Transport
In eukaryotes, transcription and translation are compartmentalized; an mRNA is first synthesized in the nucleus and then selectively transported to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. Before transport, a pre-mRNA undergoes several steps of post-transcriptional modifications including splicing, 5' capping, and the addition of a poly-adenine tail. Various proteins bind to the pre-mRNA during these modifications. The mRNA transport takes place with the help of multiple proteins playing specific...
02:24Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
01:29Translational Regulation
Translational regulation in prokaryotes ensures efficient protein synthesis by controlling ribosome access to mRNA. This regulation is mediated by secondary RNA structures, including translational riboswitches, RNA thermometers, and small RNAs (sRNAs), which respond to intracellular and environmental signals to modulate gene expression.Translational RiboswitchesRiboswitches in the leader region of mRNAs can regulate translation by altering the accessibility of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence,...
02:23Master Transcription Regulators
Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...