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Prespore gene expression in Dictyostelium requires concomitant protein synthesis
D I Ratner1, W H Pentz, D A Pelletier
1Department of Biology, Amherst College, MA 01002.
Abstract:
It has been established previously that the maintenance of expression of prespore-specific genes of Dictyostelium discoideum is prevented by the translational inhibitor cycloheximide. The drug had no effect upon the level of transcripts of the other genes examined, prestalk-specific or cell type non-specific (Mehdy, M., Ratner, D. and Firtel, R., (1983) Cell 32, 763-771). We have now characterized the cellular specificity and temporal profiles of mRNA accumulation of additional Dictyostelium cDNA clones. Other inhibitors of in vivo protein synthesis have been examined, with emetine shown to be a particularly effective but reversible agent. Four structurally and mechanistically distinct translational inhibitors each prevented the reaccumulation of prespore transcripts in cyclic AMP-primed disaggregated amoebae. These results establish a role for protein synthesis in the transcription or transcript stability of prespore genes.
Insights
Protein synthesis is crucial for maintaining prespore gene expression in Dictyostelium discoideum. Inhibiting protein synthesis prevents the accumulation of prespore transcripts, highlighting its role in gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Previous studies showed cycloheximide inhibits Dictyostelium discoideum prespore gene expression.
- Cycloheximide did not affect prestalk or non-specific gene transcript levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize cellular specificity and temporal mRNA accumulation of additional Dictyostelium discoideum cDNA clones.
- Investigate the role of protein synthesis in prespore gene regulation using various inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cycloheximide and emetine as protein synthesis inhibitors.
- Examined mRNA accumulation profiles of prespore-specific genes in cyclic AMP-primed Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae.
- Tested four structurally and mechanistically distinct translational inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Emetine was identified as an effective, reversible inhibitor of protein synthesis.
- All four translational inhibitors tested prevented the reaccumulation of prespore transcripts.
- Confirmed cycloheximide's specific effect on prespore gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Protein synthesis plays a significant role in the transcription or transcript stability of Dictyostelium discoideum prespore genes.
- These findings establish a direct link between protein synthesis and the regulation of cell-type-specific gene expression during development.