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Related Concept Videos

Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends01:35

Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends

In eukaryotic cells, transcripts made by RNA polymerase are modified and processed before exiting the nucleus. Unprocessed RNA is called precursor mRNA or pre-mRNA to distinguish it from mature mRNA.
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a cap to the 5' end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5' phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached (7-methyl guanosine). This 5' cap helps the cell...
pre-mRNA Processing02:01

pre-mRNA Processing

In eukaryotic cells, transcripts made by RNA polymerase are modified and processed before exiting the nucleus. Unprocessed RNA is called precursor mRNA or pre-mRNA to distinguish it from mature mRNA.
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a “cap” to the 5’ end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5’ phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached to it (7-Methyl guanosine). This 5’ cap helps the...
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

Regulation 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...
Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing02:41

Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing

In eukaryotic cells, nascent mRNA transcripts need to undergo many post-transcriptional modifications to reach the cell cytoplasm and translate into functional proteins. For a long time, transcription and pre-mRNA processing were considered two independent events that occur sequentially in the cell. However, it has now been well established that transcription and pre-mRNA processing are two simultaneous processes that are precisely regulated inside the cell.
The chromatin structure, especially...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation 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...
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression02:51

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Measurement of Poly A Tail Length from Drosophila Larva Brain and Cell Line
08:16

Measurement of Poly A Tail Length from Drosophila Larva Brain and Cell Line

Published on: January 12, 2024

Control of poly(A) tail length.

Christian R Eckmann1, Christiane Rammelt, Elmar Wahle

  • 1Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. RNA
|September 30, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Poly(A) tails are diverse RNA modifications. Their length critically regulates mRNA stability, translation, and distinguishes functional from unstable RNAs, with varying control mechanisms.

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Measurement of Poly A Tail Length from Drosophila Larva Brain and Cell Line
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3' End Sequencing Library Preparation with A-seq2
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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • RNA Biology
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • Polyadenylation is a key RNA modification, traditionally viewed as a stable 3' addition to eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) during nuclear processing.
  • Recent discoveries reveal a broader role for poly(A) tails, including transient, destabilizing additions to various RNA substrates, mediated by a newly identified family of poly(A) polymerases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the field of poly(A) tail regulation, focusing on the significance of poly(A) tail length.
  • To explore the mechanisms controlling poly(A) tail length in different RNA contexts, including mRNA stability, translational control, and the distinction between stabilizing poly(A) and destabilizing oligo(A) tails.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on poly(A) tail dynamics and regulation.
  • Analysis of mechanisms controlling poly(A) tail length during nuclear pre-mRNA processing.
  • Examination of factors influencing developmentally regulated poly(A) tail extension and destabilizing oligoadenylation.

Main Results:

  • Poly(A) tail length is a critical determinant of mRNA stability, acting as a timer for decay.
  • Changes in poly(A) tail length are integral to translational regulation.
  • Nuclear poly(A) tail length control is understood via poly(A) polymerase processivity modulated by RNA-binding proteins; developmental extension involves known proteins but lacks mechanistic clarity; destabilizing oligoadenylation lacks inherent length control, depending on polyadenylation/deadenylation balance.

Conclusions:

  • Poly(A) tail length is a versatile regulatory feature with diverse roles across RNA metabolism.
  • Understanding the distinct mechanisms of poly(A) tail length control is crucial for deciphering gene expression regulation.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanistic details of developmentally regulated poly(A) tail extension.