Biosynthesis of thyrotropin releasing factor: effect of RNase treatment

In the present study the role of RNA in the vitro biosynthesis of thyrotropin releasing factor (TRF) was investigated. The biosynthesis of TRF was assessed by measuring the ability of a 1000 g supernatant fraction of newt brain origin to incorporate (3H)proline into (3H)TRF. It was found that measurable amounts of (3H)TRF are synthesized by newt brain homogenates, that preincubation of these homogenates with protease-free RNase completely abolishes (3H)TRF synthesis, while preincubation of homogenates with inactivated RNase allows for (3H)TRF synthesis to proceed. These studies suggest that the presence of intact RNA is mandatory for TRF biosynthesis by newt brain homogenates.