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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
07:26
Discrimintion and Mapping of the Primary and Processed Transcripts in Maize Mitochondrion Using a Circular RT-PCR-based Strategy
Published on: July 29, 2019
Essential large transcripts of the maize Spm transposable element are generated by alternative splicing.
P Masson1, G Rutherford, J A Banks
1Department of Embryology Carnegie Institution of Washington Baltimore, Maryland 21210.
Cell
|August 25, 1989
Summary
New Suppressor-mutator (Spm) transposable element genes were identified. Intron sequences within the Spm gene encode essential products and are involved in novel translational regulation, impacting gene activity in plants.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Plant Science
Background:
- Suppressor-mutator (Spm) is a class of transposable elements.
- Understanding Spm gene function is crucial for plant genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel Suppressor-mutator (Spm) transposable element genes.
- To investigate the role of intron sequences in Spm gene activity and regulation.
Main Methods:
- In vitro mutagenesis
- cDNA cloning
- Analysis of transgenic tobacco
Main Results:
- Frameshift mutations in the tnpA gene's intron significantly reduced Spm activity.
- Identified alternatively spliced transcripts (tnpB, tnpC, tnpD) containing exon and intron sequences.
- Discovered two alternative splice donor sites in exon 1.
Conclusions:
- Spm intron sequences encode essential gene products.
- Spm utilizes alternative splicing to produce diverse transcripts.
- A novel mode of translational regulation is suggested by the exon 1 structures.
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