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Alternative polyadenylation of the gene transcripts encoding a rat DNA polymerase beta
R Konopiński1, R Nowak, J A Siedlecki
1Department of Molecular Biology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland. akon@ibbrain.ibb.waw.pl
Gene
|October 17, 1996
Summary
Researchers sequenced a high-molecular-weight DNA polymerase beta (beta-Pol) transcript in rat cells. This 4.0 kb transcript contains the full 1.4 kb sequence and suggests alternative polyadenylation from a single gene.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Rat cells express two DNA polymerase beta (beta-Pol) transcripts.
- The low-molecular-weight (1.4 kb) beta-Pol transcript has been previously sequenced.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and sequence the full-length cDNA of the high-molecular-weight (4.0 kb) beta-Pol transcript.
- To investigate the relationship between the two beta-Pol transcripts.
Main Methods:
- cDNA cloning
- DNA sequencing
- Bioinformatic analysis
Main Results:
- The full-length cDNA of the 4.0 kb HMW beta-Pol transcript was successfully cloned and sequenced.
- Sequence analysis indicates both transcripts originate from a single gene via alternative polyadenylation.
- The HMW transcript includes the complete 1.4 kb sequence plus an additional 2.2 kb at the 3' end.
- The 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the HMW transcript contains regulatory sequences absent in the 1.4 kb transcript, including an A+U-rich fragment and a (GU)21 sequence, potentially affecting mRNA stability.
Conclusions:
- Rat DNA polymerase beta (beta-Pol) transcripts are generated from a single gene through alternative polyadenylation.
- The HMW transcript's 3' UTR possesses regulatory elements that may control mRNA stability.
- The precise functional role of the A-rich region in destabilizing secondary structures requires further investigation.