Ribosomal RNA synthesis and transport following disruption of the nuclear envelope

Experiments were designed to determine if the synthesis, processing and transport of rRNA are affected by changes in nuclear permeability. RNA was labeled by microinjecting [3H]GTP into the cytoplasm of defolliculated oocytes. After injection, the nuclear envelopes were disrupted by puncturing the cells with glass needles. It has been shown that this procedure significantly alters the physical properties of the nuclear envelope. At appropriate intervals after puncturing, the oocytes were manually enucleated and RNA was extracted from both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. The extracts were analyzed on 2.5% polyacrylamide gels. The results indicate that over a period of 4 1/2 h neither the production nor the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of rRNA are affected by altering the permeability characteristics of the nuclear envelope.