Transcription of the MRP RNA gene in frog stage I oocytes requires a novel cis-element

The RNA component of the mitochondrial RNA processing (MRP) enzyme is related to both replication of mitochondrial DNA and processing of 5.8S rRNA, which are accelerated in the frog earliest stage (stage I) of frog oocytes. Microinjection of the deleted genes into the stage I oocytes showed positive cis-elements in the upstream region of the gene. The specific binding of protein(s) to this region was detected in cell extracts from stage I oocytes and liver but not in extracts of stage II-IV oocytes and the concentration of this protein was 40 times higher in the extract of stage I oocytes than that in liver.