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Sea urchin embryos are permeable to actinomycin
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 19, 1971
Summary
Sea urchin embryos exposed to actinomycin D show radioactivity within cells, primarily in nuclei. This drug effectively inhibits RNA synthesis, validating its use in studying gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Actinomycin D is a known inhibitor of RNA synthesis.
- Its precise localization and effect on early embryonic gene expression require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the intracellular localization of actinomycin D in sea urchin embryos.
- To quantify the effect of actinomycin D on RNA synthesis during early development.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of sea urchin eggs and embryos to radiolabeled actinomycin D.
- Autoradiography to visualize intracellular localization.
- Extraction and chromatographic analysis of labeled compounds.
- Measurement of RNA synthesis inhibition.
Main Results:
- Radioactivity confirmed intracellularly in embryos, with higher concentrations in nuclei than cytoplasm during cleavage.
- Identified intracellular compounds as actinomycin D and a water-soluble derivative.
- Demonstrated >90% inhibition of RNA synthesis with minimal impact on tRNA turnover.
Conclusions:
- Actinomycin D is internalized by sea urchin embryos and concentrates in nuclei.
- The drug's potent inhibition of RNA synthesis supports its utility.
- Validated actinomycin D as a reliable tool for analyzing gene expression in early development.