Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 31, 2025
08:16
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Frontier of mRNA Research with Poly A Tail Analysis Techniques
Published on: January 12, 2024
1.2K
Poly(A) tail dynamics: Measuring polyadenylation, deadenylation and poly(A) tail length.
Michael Robert Murphy1, Ahmet Doymaz1, Frida Esther Kleiman1
1Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States.
Methods in Enzymology
|June 29, 2021
Summary
This study explores mRNA processing, focusing on polyadenylation and deadenylation. It details biochemical assays to analyze these crucial steps in gene expression regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- RNA Metabolism
Background:
- mRNA processing involves 3' end cleavage and polyadenylation.
- mRNA stability and translation are regulated by factors like poly(A) binding proteins (PABPs).
- The poly(A) tail is critical for mRNA's fate, influencing its interaction with regulatory proteins and degradation pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of mRNA cleavage/polyadenylation and deadenylation processes.
- To describe biochemical assays for studying these enzymatic reactions.
- To present protocols for investigating mRNA poly(A) tail length.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical assays to study enzymatic activities involved in polyadenylation and deadenylation.
- Protocols for measuring mRNA poly(A) tail length.
- Analysis of regulatory factors impacting mRNA processing.
Main Results:
- Established methods for analyzing key mRNA processing events.
- Demonstrated the dynamic nature of the poly(A) tail.
- Highlighted the critical role of poly(A) tail length in gene expression control.
Conclusions:
- Polyadenylation and deadenylation are central to mRNA lifecycle and gene expression.
- Biochemical assays and poly(A) length investigations are essential tools for understanding mRNA regulation.
- The poly(A) tail length is a dynamic and crucial determinant of mRNA stability and translation.
Related Concept Videos
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
5.9K
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
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
5.9K
01:35Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends
11.9K
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...
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...
11.9K
02:01pre-mRNA Processing
54.5K
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...
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...
54.5K
01:53RNA Stability
34.3K
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
34.3K
01:45Tail-anchoring of Proteins in the ER Membrane
3.4K
Tail-anchored, or TA, proteins are estimated to make up to 3-5% of membrane proteins found in the eukaryotic cell. Such proteins have a single transmembrane domain located approximately 30 amino acid residues upstream from the C-terminal end. As a result, the signal recognition particle (SRP) cannot guide a TA protein to the ER membrane for cotranslational insertion. Hence, they are integrated into the ER membrane post-translationally using their C-terminal end as the anchor. TA proteins...
3.4K