Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Xenopus laevis as a Model to Identify Translation Impairment
Published on: September 27, 2015
The heat-shock response in Xenopus oocytes is controlled at the translational level
Abstract:
Xenopus laevis oocytes respond to high temperature (greater than 31 degrees C) by the synthesis of one major (70 kilodalton) protein and by a gradual reduction in the rate of normal protein synthesis. In contrast with most other cells, the heat-shock response of Xenopus oocytes is controlled exclusively at the translational level. Enucleated or alpha-amanitin-injected oocytes synthesize normal levels of heat-shock protein. Thus high temperature induces the translation of preformed heat-shock mRNA. This continues for more than a day after a shift back to a normal temperature, but ceases within 2 days. Heat-shock protein synthesis can be sequentially induced and inactivated in the same oocyte over several days. We conclude that an oocyte contains 10-100 pg of heat-shock mRNA, which is synthesized during oogenesis at the normal temperature, and which is stored in an inactive state by a "masking" mechanism.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
Translational Regulation
Stringent Response in E. coli
Other Stress Responses in Bacteria

