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Measurement of a stimulatory protein of RNA polymerase II in various mouse organs by the complement fixation test
Abstract:
The amount of S-II, a protein specifically stimulating RNA polymerase II, was measured in various mouse organs by a micro complement fixation assay. The amount was almost the same in brain, liver, kidney, spleen, and Ehrlich ascites tumor cells on the basis of DNA, being about 3.8 micrograms/mg DNA, which corresponds to 3.6 X 10(5) molecules/cell. However, the amount of S-II decreased greatly during erythro-differentiation of Friend leukemia cells and no S-II was detected matured erythrocytes.
Insights
The protein S-II, which stimulates RNA polymerase II, is abundant in mouse organs but diminishes during red blood cell differentiation. Mature erythrocytes lack detectable S-II, indicating its role in cell development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Differentiation
- Biochemistry
Background:
- RNA polymerase II is crucial for gene transcription.
- S-II is a protein that specifically stimulates RNA polymerase II activity.
- Understanding protein expression during cell differentiation is key to developmental biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the levels of S-II protein in various mouse organs.
- To investigate the changes in S-II protein levels during erythro-differentiation.
- To determine the presence of S-II in mature erythrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Micro complement fixation assay was used for S-II quantification.
- S-II levels were measured on a per DNA basis.
- Erythro-differentiation of Friend leukemia cells was induced.
Main Results:
- S-II levels were consistent across brain, liver, kidney, spleen, and tumor cells (approximately 3.8 µg/mg DNA).
- S-II levels significantly decreased during the erythro-differentiation of Friend leukemia cells.
- No detectable S-II was found in mature erythrocytes.
Conclusions:
- S-II protein is expressed at similar levels in various non-differentiating mouse tissues.
- S-II expression is tightly regulated and decreases significantly during red blood cell maturation.
- The absence of S-II in mature erythrocytes suggests a role in earlier differentiation stages.