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Isolation of Translating Ribosomes Containing Peptidyl-tRNAs for Functional and Structural Analyses
Published on: February 25, 2011
A large region controls tRNA gene transcription
Journal of Molecular Biology
|May 25, 1985
Summary
Transfer RNA (tRNA) gene transcription is controlled by larger regions than previously thought. These regulatory sequences extend both upstream and downstream of the gene, influencing gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Transfer RNA (tRNA) genes are essential for protein synthesis.
- Previously, tRNA gene transcription was thought to be controlled by small internal elements like the A and B boxes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the full extent of the regulatory region controlling tRNA gene transcription.
- To understand the variability in sequence requirements for different tRNA gene transcription.
Main Methods:
- In vitro transcription assays using a Bombyx mori silkworm tRNA2Ala gene.
- Analysis of transcriptionally important sequences under varying experimental conditions.
Main Results:
- Transcriptionally important sequences for tRNA2Ala extend significantly beyond the previously defined internal boxes, from at least -13 to +146.
- The apparent size of the tRNA gene control region is dependent on experimental conditions, such as template concentration and presence of inhibitory substances in extracts.
Conclusions:
- The control region for tRNA gene transcription is substantially larger than previously recognized.
- The observed variability in tRNA gene transcription requirements may be explained by the dynamic nature and size of these regulatory regions.
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